Former PBA player Mark Tallo made an auspicious debut for Bacolod-Master Sardines, erupting for 31 points as one of MPBL’s expansion teams pulled off an 87-83 win over the Mindanao Tamaraws in the Lakan Cup Monday night at the at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
The second generation cager also had six steals and six assists in a performance that bodes well to his desire to get another PBA call.
“Medyo disappointed ako sa sarili ko kasi nung nag-PBA ako, medyo tumaba ako, hindi ako naging masyadong disiplinado, kaya dito sa MPBL, may gusto akong i-prove dahil gusto ko ulit makabalik sa PBA,” Tallo said.
Mac Tallo of Bacolod (MPBL photo)
Tallo wasted no time.
The son of former PBA player Mark Anthony Tallo knocked in 14 second quarter points then scored 10 more in the pivotal fourth, including his team’s last six points. His jumper in the last 38 seconds proved to be the dagger as he towed Bacolod to the win column.
In the featured match, Manila whipped Nueva Ecija, 96-86, as the Frontrow-backed Stars used their firepower to the hilt in dealing their rivals a sound beating.
Carlo Lastimosa, one of the few ex-pros picked up in the off season, presided on the Stars’ offense as he pumped in 20 points while Chris Bitoon added 18 points.
A big revelation for Manila was Jollo Go, who added 14 while Aris Dionisio, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, had another double-double performance of 10 points and 10 rebounds.