Jerrick Balanza poured 26 points — including the game-clinching lay-up — to help the Wangs-Letran Couriers repulse the Batangas-EAC Generals, 94-92, to end their the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup campaign on a high, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The hardworking forward secured the steal from Cedric de Joya and went all the way to the rack to give the Couriers the two-point lead with 5.0 seconds to spare.
He also collected two rebounds and two assists to go with his three swipes.
The Generals had one last shot to win the game, but Jerome Garcia overshot his potential game-stealing triple as the game clock expired.
Christian Fajarito recorded a double-double of 23 markers and 11 boards for Wangs-Letran, as they also got solid outings from Bonbon Batiller — who got 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists — and JP Calvo, who had 13 markers, five boards, and four dimes.
It was just the saving grace that coach Jeff Napa asked for, as the Couriers barely missed out on the top six with their 6-5 slate.
“Although medyo disappointed kami kasi di kami umabot, magandang experience pa rin sa amin ito papasok sa NCAA. Ang dami naming natutunan at sana madala namin yun this coming season.”
Cedrick Ablaza’s heroic effort went down the drain, as his 25 points and 15 rebounds wasn’t enough to give Batangas-EAC a fitting end to their campaign.
The Generals bowed out of their first conference with a 2-9 record.
The Scores:
Wangs-Letran 94 — Balanza 26, Fajarito 23, Batiller 18, Calvo 13, Publico 8, Mandreza 2, Ambohot 1, Muyang 1, Taladua 1, Yu 1, Balagasay 0.
Batangas-EAC 92 — Ablaza 25, De Joya 18, J. Mendoza 12, Tampoc 11, Garcia 10, E. Mendoza 8, Dela Peña 3, Bugarin 2, Martin 2, Maguliano 1, Altamirano 0, Corilla 0, Neri 0.
Quarterscores: 12-19, 40-38, 75-69, 94-92.
