APEX Fuel Mindanao-San Sebastian hardly broke a sweat as it eviscerated AMA Online Senior High by 46 points, 113-67, in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
RK Ilagan guided the young Golden Stags in the victory, starting things off and scoring 18 of his 22 points in the first half.
He also shot 3-of-8 from deep, while collecting eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one block. His performance then guided APEX Fuel Mindanao-SSCR to the victory in its conference opener.
“Sa totoo lang, mga bata ‘yung players ko so we’re still building our character. The key is how RK plays, [kasi] doon susunod ‘yung mga bata,” said coach Egay Macaraya.
Ilagan was responsible for the Golden Stags’ early assault, fueling a 22-4 blast to turn the game from an 8-4 deficit to a 26-12 lead.
The Tondo-born guard commandeered his wards while they used the extended garbage time to expose their new recruits. The Golden Stags eventually finished with a 49-percent field goal shooting.
Ichie Altamirano helped Ilagan in the win, pouring all of his 16 points in the second half. He also grabbed six boards, four assists, and four steals.
Alex Desoyo shared 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while rookie Ralph Gabat chimed in 10 points and four assists.
On the other hand, Luke Parcero starred for AMA Online Senior High. He finished with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Reed Baclig, the Kings’ top pick in the recent PBA D-League Draft, wound up with three points, three rebounds, and two steals, but set the floor with his nine assists in the defeat.
The Scores:
APEX-SSC-R 113 — Ilagan 22, Altamirano 16, Desoyo 11, Ra. Gabat 10, Re. Gabat 9, Calahat 8, Loristo 8, Calma 8, Zabala 8, Villapando 5, Felebrico 4, Cosari 2, Shanoda 2, Sumoda 0, Go 0.
AMA HS 67 — Parcero 24, Mendoza 11, Simmonds 9, Yambao 6, Alina 3, Baclig 3, Diswe 3, Albances 2, Ceniza 2, Camay 2, Kapunan 2, Villamor 0, Germino 0, Jocson 0.
Quarterscores: 31-20, 60-31, 83-51, 113-67.
