Slashers cut Marlins down to size

Negros weathered Socsargen’s repeated rallies down the stretch to fashion out a 112-99 victory yesterday and seize the solo lead in the first phase of the MBA season at the Cebu City Coliseum.

Former MVP John Ferriols scored 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds as he powered the Slashers, the reigning Southern Conference champions, to their fourth straight victory in the early going of the community-based league.

After Maui Huelar capped a big third quarter run with a Blitz 3 for a 79-60 Negros lead, the Marlins countered with their own run that moved Socsargen to within four, 88-92, midway in the fourth quarter.

But the Slashers steadied up from the foul line and timely defensive stops in the last five minutes of play ensured Negros’ victory that likewise send the Marlins reeling to their third straight loss.

The Marlins got a taste of the lead only in the first quarter when Bong Alvarez scored on a Blitz 3 for a 12-9 count. But Ferriols and Reuben dela Rosa took over for Negros, scoring on medium range jumpers and post-up plays as the Slashers sped to a 30-23 lead before posting a 61-42 bulge at the turn.

Dela Rosa poured 15 of his 19 points in a six-minute stretch while Cid White joined the scoring attack with 20 points.

Chris Bade, formerly of the Laguna Lakers, had a game-high 31-point output while Paul Alvarez added 19 but the Marlins just couldn’t keep up with a quick Negros squad, which recorded a season-high six Blitz 3s.

In the other game, Cebuana Lhuillier pounced on a listless Andok’s San Juan side as it ran away with an emphatic 137-105 victory.

It was the Gems’ third win in four starts as they remained in third spot behind the Slashers and the idle LBC Batangas Blades, who tote a 3-0 mark.

The Knights, who won last year’s crown in a tumultuous final showdown with the Slashers, absorbed their second loss in four games. —Joey Villar