Cabahug leads Cebu Sharks to win at home court in 2OT MPBL game

FILE: “Powerade Best Player of the Game: PATRICK CABAHUG – 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists” (Photo: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League/Facebook)

The Cebu Sharks refused to allow their opponents the Laguna Krah Heroes win during their home game at the Hoops Dome, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu last Saturday, November 17. The second home court game for the Sharks led to a double overtime, where Patrick Jan Cabahug scored the game-winning shot that put his team in the lead at 77-75.

Former Adamson star Cabahug, who grew up in Cebu, was silent during the first half at only two points. However, he performed for his team when they needed him most, scoring a total of 18 points in the second half. He barely played in the fourth quarter and was off-the-bench at the last 19 seconds, Coach Titing Manalili relied on Cabahug’s high shot percentage to score the three-pointer that brought his team into overtime. With that, Cabahug also made the beyond-the-arch throws that brought his team into double overtime and eventually the win. Cabahug, who has experience playing in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) among other international competitions, also contributed six rebounds and two assists. He was aided by teammate Alfred Codilla, who finished with 14 points.

Lord Casajeros was Laguna’s highest pointer at 18 points, but it was not enough to save them during the last few and most crucial seconds of the game.

With the Cebuano crowd ecstatic with the win, Cabahug was quick to say in Filipino, “It’s really different to play in Cebu!” during his post-game interview. He also shared with Fox Sports Philippines that his home crowd was “a big source of inspiration, not just for [him], but for all of the Cebu Sharks.” Cabahug refers to Cebu as his “hometown where [he] strongly finds [himself],” stating, “Every game I play to win and it’s for the team, fans, friends, and family.”

After last Saturday’s game, the Sharks rose up in standings at 6-9, while Laguna is at 7-8.