WANG’S Basketball stayed alive in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup playoff race after thwarting Blustar Detergent, 87-78, on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
John Tayongtong carried the Couriers with 18 points, five assists and four rebounds, including four of his team’s final six points to repulse a pesky Dragons side.
Blustar cut what was once a 20-point advantage, 67-47, in the third quarter, to only five, 81-76, courtesy of a Jason Melano-Mak Long Seng connection in the last 2:04 in the payoff period. But Tayongtong was there to douse the run and finish the job for Wang’s, which improved to 3-5 won-lost.
“We’re still in the hunt, thanks to the players who are showing a better chemistry,” Wang’s Coach Pablo Lucas said.
Cedrick Labing-isa added 18 points, four boards and three assists, Allen Enriquez had a near double-double of 14 points and nine rebounds, and Von Tambeling had 12 points, two boards and two assists for Wang’s.
Melano carried Blustar (0-7) with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Ong Yong Wei had 14 points and six rebounds.