The AMA Online Education Titans avoided a huge upset and pulled the rug from under the Blustar Detergent Dragons, 83-78, Tuesday afternoon at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
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.
“Sabi ko sa mga players, it’s all about our pride and composure. Alam namin na kaya namin silang talunin pero nauna mag-relax kaya nagkaroon ng kumpyansa ang kalaban,” said coach Mark Herrera.
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.
AMA shot just 36 percent from the field compared to a 41 percent for the visitors. However, the Titans went 20-of-24 from the stripe to make up for their lackadaisical shooting.
Kwaan Yoong Jing carried the Dragons with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Mak Long Seng got 15 markers and five boards.
AMA will play Wangs Basketball next on February 27, Monday, while Blustar will next face Team Batangas on February 28, Tuesday. Both games are set at 3:00 PM and will be played at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The Scores:
AMA 83 – Tiongson 23, Arambulo 20, Alabanza 16, Barua 7, Taganas 5, Macaranas 4, Bragais 2, Jordan 2, Flores 2, Riley 2, Jumao-as 0, Carpio 0.
Blustar 78 – Kwaan 16, Mak 15, Ang 11, Perez 11, Liaw 10, Ong 6, Melano 6, Heng 3, Choong 0, Chin 0.
Quartersores: 24-20, 43-42, 55-64, 83-78.
