Alumni Ervin Grospe and Paolo Pontejos showed the way for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, as Gio Lasquety nabbed his first win as a head coach with a 96-67 rout of the Mila’s Lechon Mighty Roasters, Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Jeckster Apinan, Ervin Grospe, and Paolo Pontejos showed the newbies how it’s done, as they carried much of the load for the debuting Heavy Bombers.
JRU went to Pontejos in the early goings, as the playmaker paid off that trust with 12 first half points and finished the game with 14, on top of six rebounds, and four assists, as the Heavy Bombers peeled off from an 18-22 first quarter deficit to a 39-29 halftime lead.
Apinan followed suit, as he helped the Heavy Bombers breakaway in the second half, pouring 16 of his 20 markers in the final two quarters, alongside 14 rebounds. Grospe contributed 16 in the 29-point demolition job.
The win wasn’t just any other triumph, as the recently-graduated Lasquety was gifted with his first conquest at the helm for JRU.
“Siyempre sobrang sarap. Mas masarap pa noong naglalaro ako kasi naga-guide ko sa loob,” said the 24-year-old, who became the youngest head coach in D-League history. “Thankful ako na nag-respond ang players at naka-execute kami. Nala-depensa kami and credit to my players dahil sinunod nila yung gameplan namin.”
Leo Gabo carried the Mighty Roasters with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Andoy Estrella got 13 markers in the loss.
JRU will next face a familiar foe in the Go for Gold Scratchers on Tuesday, January 30, at 3:00pm. Mila’s play earlier in the day, taking on the Perpertual Help Altas.
The Scores:
JRU 96 — Apinan 20, Grospe 16, Pontejos 14, Esguerra 9, Dela Virgen 9, Tayongtong 8, Ramos 4, Mendoza 4, Bordon 4, Yu 3, Mvogo 3, Silvarez 2, Sawat 0, De Guzman 0.
Mila’s Lechon 67 — Gabo 14, Estrella 13, Acibar 9, Sarangay 7, Iñigo 5, Parala 5, Derige 4, Delfinado 4, Deles 2, Crisostomo 2, Herradura 2, Luz 0, Bellosillo 0, Montuano 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 39-29, 68-50, 96-67.
