AMA online Education finally discovered how to win, ending its miseries on Tuesday with a scrambling 67-66 decision over Gamboa Coffee Mix in the eliminations of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Mario Bonleon tallied 16 points including the go-ahead free throw with eight seconds left as the Titans barged into the win column and snapped a string of five consecutive defeats.
“This (win) is so sweet. We beat a team of ex-pros. Most of them were my players’ idols. But I told them we got a game to win and I thought they responded well,” said AMA Coach Mark Herrera, visibly relieved after the final buzzer sounded.
“I thought the players did well defensively. They hang in there until the final seconds.”
Jaycee Asuncion scored 14 points and Andre Paras had another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Titans, who trailed by as much as 14 points in the second quarter.
JR Cawaling tied the count at 66 with about nine seconds left but threw away a golden chance to win the game with an errant pass to Mark Montuano for a turnover.
Leo Avenido tallied 16 points and Montuano added 11 and 13 rebouds for the Coffee Lovers, who picked up their fifth straight loss and fell to 1-5.