Gab Banal fueled the Flying V Thunder in their 107-96 triumph over the Wangs Basketball Couriers to stay on top of the standings, Tuesday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The 26-year-old bruiser, who was the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft, took charge for the Thunder as he registered 29 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in the win.
“Gab was consistent all throughout the game. He was our spark and he took it upon himself to shut down [Robbie] Herndon in the second half. But all-in-all, it was a collective effort from our players,” said coach Eric Altamirano.
Jeron Teng bucked his foul woes, winding up with 20 markers, six assists, and four boards on 7-of-20 shooting from the field.
Aris Dionisio also added 14 points and 10 rebounds; Thomas Torres had 12 markers, four boards, and three assists; and Hans Thiele got 10 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks for Flying V.
Lackluster again in the first half, the Thunder were finally able to get the breathing room they craved as Banal started the decisive 11-0 run to finish the third period and grab an 86-80 advantage.
The Couriers had no answer for the trio of Banal, Dionisio, and Oda Tampus as Flying V kept its record unblemished at 3-0.
Herndon topscored for Wangs (1-2) as he poured 20 of his 24 points in the first half.
Chris De Chavez got 13 markers, while John Tayongtong collected 12 points and five boards in the loss.
Flying V will have a 13-day break before taking on Marinerong Pilipino on Monday, June 26. Wang’s Basketball, on the other hand, face the Gamboa Coffee Lovers on Tuesday, June 20.
The Scores:
Flying V (107) – Banal 29, Teng 20, Dionisio 14, Torres 12, Thiele 10, Salamat 8, Tampus 8, Cañada 4, Webb 2, Gamboa 0, Colina 0, Mendoza 0.
Wangs Basketball (96) – Herndon 24, De Chavez 13, Tayongtong 12, Juico 11, Bitoon 9, Arambulo 7, Montemayor 6, Habelito 6, King 3, Asuncion 3, Ambuludto 2, Sorela 0, Riley 0.
Quarterscores: 31-31, 55-59, 86-80, 107-96.
