Aaron Black once again churned out a triple-double performance as AMA Online Education gave debutant iWalk a rude 110-92 blowout to register its first win in the 2019 PBA D-League Second Conference, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The son of PBA great and Meralco coach Norman Black registered 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists as he became only the third player in the developmental league’s history to rack up multiple triple-doubles after Mike Tolomia (twice) and Jeron Teng (thrice).
“Binibigyan ko na talaga siya ng kumpyansa eh, kasi kilala ko na siya simula bata pa lang dahil naging player ko na siya nung 13-under pa lang,” said coach Mark Herrera of Black.
Dennis Santos also uncorked 32 points and 10 rebounds as the Titans hiked their card to 1-1.
AMA built a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter, 81-67, but the veteran-laden iWalk fought back and knocked within just four, 83-87, after a Wowie Escosio lay-up with 5:45 remaining.
The Titans did respond immediately, scoring eight straight points capped by Santos’ three-pointer to make it a 95-83 advantage with 4:54 left to play and to cruise to the 19-point win.
“Last game medyo bumitaw kami eh. Natalo kami ng one point. Sabi ko sa kanila makakapag-adjust tayo sa depensa. At medyo bata tayo so pwede natin takbuhan,” Herrera said.
Newcomer Vince Tolentino also made his presence felt for AMA with 14 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.
Ryusei Koga led the Chargers with 18 points in the loss. Bernie Bregondo provided 15 points and 20 rebounds, while Escosio chimed in 14 markers and eight boards off the bench.
The Scores:
AMA 110 –– Santos 32, Black 26, Tolentino 14, Parcero 12, De Mesa 8, Asuncion 7, De Leon 6, Estibar 3, Alina 2, Fuentes 0, Rodriguez 0, Saor 0, Catorce 0.
iWalk 92 –– Koga 18, Bregondo 15, Escosio 14, Cruz 11, Inigo 11, Parker 8, Belencion 7, Gaco 6, Mangahas 3, Taguinod 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 51-46, 76-65, 110-92.
