La Union’s bench mob led the way as they edged out debuting Parañaque, 93-78, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go NBL Chairman’s Cup, Sunday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Jayson Apolonio waxed hot in the fourth canto, dropping 18 of PAOwer’s 24 points, to finish with 23 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Meanwhile, second-stringer Kirk Agulan scattered 21 points in the first three periods.
La Union cruised to their third-straight win in as many games to create a three-way logjam for the top spot.
After a tight first quarter that ended at 16-all, the PAOwer turned on their jets.
La Union outscored the Aces in the second and third frames by 16, to take a 69-53 advantage heading into the final period.
Ian Llona was another key bench player for the victors, firing 12 points and 13 rebounds. Billy Boado carried the starters with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The PAOwer nailed 16 of their 48 attempts from downtown, good for 33 percent, while their opponents only made 5-of-30.
Jielo Razon was the high man for Parañaque. He had 18 points on 7-of-21 shooting, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Paolo Castro contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 28 minutes off the bench.
The Scores:
La Union 93 – Apolonio 23, Agulan 21, Boado 14, Llona 12, Silverie 7, Caasi 6, Pambid 5, Ablao 3, Gatchalian 2, Francisco 0, Blaza 0, Pascua 0, Doliente 0, Camaya 0.
Parañaque 78 – Razon 18, Castro 12, Galit 11, Saguiguit 8, Solis 8, Olegario 7, Quilatan 6, Geronimo 3, Lucente 2, Ollano 2, Singh 1, Madera 0.
Quarterscores:16-16, 45-36, 69-53, 93-78.
