Deo Cuajao drains 7 triples as UST torches TIP in D-League

Builders Warehouse-UST drowned Technological Institute of the Philippines with a 53-point mugging, 115-62, in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Deo Cuajao got things done early with 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting from deep. Jun Asuncion then put the game under wraps, going 5-of-9 from threes to finish with 20.

The Growling Tigers picked up their first win in the tournament.

“What’s important is they’re confident in everything that they do. The shots they’re taking, pina-practice naman nila. I always give them the green light as long as they’re available,” said coach Aldin Ayo of the two.

Cuajao and Asuncion were major factors in Builders Warehouse-UST’s red-hot shooting from outside. The team went 23-of-46 from threes, good for a 50-percent clip.

Rhenz Abando chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Mark Nonoy tallied 11 points, six boards, and five assists in the win.

Meanwhile, Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo had also got 11 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as the trio buoyed the Growling Tigers’ early 20-5 assault.

It’s a step in the right direction for the Growling Tigers, who aim to build confidence ahead of the collegiate season.

“I always tell my players na knowing the system is not enough. Hindi pwedeng alam lang nila ‘yung sistema. Kailangan gumagaling din sila sa sistema,” said Ayo.

On the other hand, Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye carried TIP with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Bryan Santos also had 13 points and seven boards in the defeat.

The Scores:

Builders Warehouse-UST 115 –– Cuajao 24, Asuncion 20, Abando 15, Chabi Yo 11, Nonoy 11, Huang 7, Ando 7, Paraiso 5, Santos 5, Bataller 4, Manaytay 3, Concepcion 2, Manalang 1, Herrera 0.

TIP 62 — B. Santos 13, Ndiaye 13, Daguro 10, Yu 10, Carurucan 9, Corpuz 2, Sandagon 2, Calisay 2, I. Santos 1, Navarro 0, Diokno 0, Primo 0, Sena 0, Cudiamat 0.

Quarterscores: 30-16, 54-31, 80-51, 115-62.