The Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian Revellers banked on its veterans late as it pulled off the 83-79 victory against the AMA Online Education Titans, Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Ex-pro Samboy de Leon delivered seven of his 21 points in the payoff period, while collecting six rebounds and two assists as the Revellers’ bounced back from an 83-82 loss to Wangs Basketball-Letran last Monday.
Michael Calisaan also provided stability in the paint, racking up 12 markers and 10 boards, while Alfred Batino had 11 points and 11 rebounds as Che’Lu Bar & Grill-San Sebastian had to battle back from an early 14-point hole, 7-21.
“We’re supposed to lose with the way we played the game,” said coach Stevenson Tiu, who obviously disappointed with the Revellers’ slow start.
“Every game, laging slow start kami. Kahit anong adjustment, ganoon pa rin kaya hindi namin makuha yung rhythm namin,” he said. “We just had the decision to go to the veterans. Thankfully, nag-respond naman sila.”
RK Ilagan shot 6-of-11 from threes to top Che’Lu-San Sebastian with 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Revellers now rise to 2-1, while dropping AMA to 0-3.
Robbie Manalang saw his sensational debut go down the drain as he tallied 28 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the defeat.
Genmar Bragais added 16 markers and 13 boards, while Carlo Escalambre had 13 points and five rebounds for the Titans.
The Scores:
Che’Lu-San Sebastian 83 — Ilagan 22, De Leon 21, Calisaan 12, Batino 11, Bulanadi 8, Faundo 6, Jeruta 2, David 1, Costelo 0, Santos 0.
AMA Online Education 79 — R. Manalang 28, Bragais 16, Escalambre 13, Matillano 10, Porter 7, Paras 5, Antonares 0, Carpio 0, Garcia 0, Jordan 0, P. Manalang 0, Salonga 0.
Quarterscores: 18-21, 35-39, 56-58, 83-79.
