Melencio delivers for Bacoor

MANILA, Philippines — Ian Melencio was the main man for Imus Bandera during the Datu Cup, but after he transferred to Bacoor this Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, his role dwindled to being a backup guard.

But when the Strikers needed to fill the huge shoes left by Gab Banal, the pint-sized guard rose to the occasion.

Missing main star Banal in their game against Bulacan, the Cavite street hoops legend displayed his deadly form, dropping 13 points on a hot 5-of-7 clip, five rebounds and five assists without committing a single turnover.

Moreover, he willed Bacoor to a 78-76 escape against the Kuyas last Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

“Sabi lang sa amin ng coaches, huwag namin subukang palitan yung contributions ni Gab, kung hindi magtulungan para mapantayan. Buti pumasok ang mga tira ko,” said the 30-year-old playmaker.