Behind guest player Alvin Pasaol, the Petron-Letran Knights dealt the Ironcon-UST Growling Tigers their first defeat in the 2019 PBA D-League with a 114-101 classic, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Alvin Pasaol took the baton in the final 3:12 as he scored eight of the Knights’ final 16 points. Pasaol finished with 27 points and eight rebounds.
Jerrick Balanza was just as sensational in the tiff, pouring a season-high 34 points, to go with his nine rebounds, and two steals. Petron-Letran returned to their winning ways after suffering an 83-64 loss to Cignal-Ateneo last week.
“Sabi nga namin before the game, we joined this league to beat these kinds of teams, lalo na yung mga wala pang talo. At least this game, naipakita nila na kaya nila mag-bounce back,” said coach Bonnie Tan.
Jeremiah Taladua came off the bench to light up for 13 points and four rebounds. King Caralipio added 11 points, four boards, and two assists, while Renato Ular got himself a double-double with his 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Petron-Letran improved to a 4-2 slate in the Aspirants Group, as UST fell to 4-1.
Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo paced the Growling Tigers with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in the defeat,
Brent Paraiso had his best outing to date with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Marvin Lee got 15 points and 10 boards.
The Scores:
Petron-Letran 114 — Balanza 34, Pasaol 27, Taladua 13, Caralipio 11, Ular 11, Reyson 8, Ambohot 8, Olivario 2, Balagasay 0, Mina 0, Pambid 0.
Ironcon-UST 101 — Chabi Yo 25, Paraiso 17, Lee 15, Abando 14, Subido 11, Nonoy 11, Ando 4, Concepcion 4, Bataller 0.
Quarterscores: 34-22, 54-59, 85-85, 114-101.
