With Jeron Teng shooting blanks, the Flying V Thunder banked on their supporting cast and pulled off a 94-86 conquest over the Racal Motors Alibaba to keep their immaculate record intact, Monday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Coach Eric Altamirano went to his second unit and got what he needed, as Gab Banal and Aris Dionisio stepped up to the plate for the Thunder in the fourth period.
Banal went 3-of-6 from rainbow country to wind up with 17 points, 11 of which came in the final frame, while also nabbing six rebounds and two steals. Dionisio imposed his presence inside and racked nine of his 13 markers, while hauling down seven boards, in the win to keep Flying V on top of the heap at 5-0.
“Our first group struggled today, but it’s a good thing that our second group stepped up,” said Altamirano. “We made some stops at the end, but the problem is still the same, we’re very inconsistent.”
Thomas Torres also chipped in 17 points, two rebounds, and two dimes for the Thunder, as Teng was only able to contribute 11 markers on a woeful 4-of-18 clip.
Racal made a huge push early in the fourth canto, taking a 70-67 lead with 8:41 remaining, but Banal and Dionisio triggered a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 77-70, midway through the period and hold off the Alibaba late.
Rian Ayonayon paced Racal Motors with 28 points and nine rebounds, while Gwynne Capacio, Jamil Ortuoste, and Mac Tallo all had 10 markers in the loss.
Their efforts, though, went down south as the Alibaba incurred their third straight loss and stumble to a 2-3 card.
Flying V continue their tough stretch on Thursday, July 6, when they face the Tanduay Rhum Masters. Racal, on the other hand, hope to snap out of their funk when they face the Gamboa Coffee Lovers on Monday, July 10.
The Scores:
Flying V (94) – Banal 17, Torres 17, Dionisio 13, Teng 11, Cañada 11, Thiele 10, Salamat 8, Tampus 4, Webb 3, Ongteco 0, Colina 0.
Racal Motors (86) – Ayonayon 28, Capacio 10, Ortuoste 10, Tallo 10, Gomez 9, Pontejos 9, Grimaldo 6, Apreku 2, Faundo 2, Mangahas 0, Dela Cruz 0, Cortes 0, Lozada 0.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 46-44, 67-64, 94-86.
