New coach proves key in Imus arresting long losing streak

A coaching change was just what the Imus Bandera needed to snap out of a three-game slide in the MPBL Lakan Season last Saturday night.

With new coach Mac Cuan calling the shots, the Bandera came out rejuvenated to repulse the Soccsksargen Marlins, 82-70, for their first victory in more than a month at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Veterans Jayjay Helterbrand and Chad Alonzo finished with double digit outputs while James Martinez and Jojo Cunanan found their stride as the Bandera recorded just their second win in five games. The Marlins remained winless in three games.

“I just tried to correct some bad habits that I have observed in the last four games,” said Cuan, who replaced Budds Reyes last Monday. “Basically, I told them to share the ball and I told them to keep the game fast.”

The 42-year-old Helterbrand continued to thrive with a 14-point, seven-rebound performance for the Bandera, who showed newfound cohesion with 28 assists.

“I like the energy we had especially in the second half,” Helterbrand said. “The bench came in and brought in a lot of energy pressuring the ball and causing a lot of havoc to help us get easy shots. I think coach Mac really did a good job in the substitutions, matching everyone’s time, and as you can see, everyone has to be ready.”

Meanwhile, General Santos streaked to a third straight win under coach Rich Alvarez by slipping past Iloilo, 69-64, while Davao Occidental overwhelmed Bacolod, 85-74, to improve to 5-1.

Robby Celiz sustained his fiery form for the Warriors, firing 15 points and grabbing 15 rebounds as the Warriors, who picked up their third straight win for a 5-2 card in the South division.

It was another strong performance from Celiz, who exploded for 26 points in a gutsy road win against Valenzuela last Monday.

James Forrester delivered 16 points for the Tigers, matching the output of Mark Yee and Marco Balagtas.