BATANGAS clawed back from 22-points down and came away with a thrilling 97-96 decision over Wangs Basketball in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Down 92-70 early in the fourth, the Batangueños kept battling in face of tremendous odds, eventually turning the complexion of the round with a 27-4 closing salvo. Yutien Andrada capped the sweet finish by scoring the go-ahead tip with 11.9 seconds left in Tuesday’s game.
“At halftime, I challenged the players and asked them if they still have some pride,” Coach Eric Gonzales said. “I [believe] they responded to the challenge.”
Cedrick de Joya dropped 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to go with his five rebounds. Sedurifa had 13 of his 18 markers in the last 10 minutes. He also had 11 boards and seven assists.
Andrada collected 13 points and 11 rebounds in his Batangas debut. Raymond Inciong and Jhygrus Laude combined for 20 markers.
Batangas snapped its two-game slide to improve to a 2-4 record, while Wangs fell to a 1-5 slate.
It was a sorry defeat for the Couriers who had a 59-37 advantage at the half.
Von Tambeling led Wangs with 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Rey Publico and John Tayongtong both wound up with 15.
In the first game, AMA Online Education avoided a huge upset and pulled the rug under Blustar Detergent, 83-78.
Juami Tiongson and Ryan Arambulo took control for the Titans late as they unleashed a killer 12-1 blast to turn a six-point deficit, 75-69 in the last 4:29 to a commanding 81-76 lead with 37.3 seconds remaining.
“[I told the players], it’s all about our pride and composure,” coach Mark Herrera said. “Alam namin na kaya namin silang talunin pero nauna mag-relax kaya nagkaroon ng kumpyansa ang kalaban.” [We knew we can defeat them but we relaxed at the onset, boosting the other team’s confidence.]
Tiongson topped AMA with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Arambulo wound up with 20 markers and six boards.
JR Alabanza was also a rock down low, tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks in the win.
The Titans stretched their streak to three and improved to a 5-2 record, while Blustar remained winless at 0-5 after squandering a nine-point edge, 64-55, at the end of the third quarter.
Kwaan Yoong Jing carried the Dragons with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Mak Long Seng got 15 markers and five boards.