Behind Jerwin Gaco’s heroics, McDavid finally chalked one in the win column with a 73-68 squeaked past Family Mart-Enderun in the 2019 PBA D-League on Monday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Michole Sorela waxed hot early with his 19 first-half points, helping the newcomers establish a 52-36 halftime lead. He finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
But it was Gaco who rescued McDavid from a 19-point collapse from a 63-44 advantage, as they held off the Titans late.
“Na-manage lang namin yung halfcourt defense namin. After a missed shot, nagkakaroon sila ng run pero in spite of it, pumunta ako kay Jerwin sa loob. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Pare, barakuhin mo na sa loob,’ at yun ang nangyari,” said coach Allen Ricardo, who took his first win in the developmental ranks.
Gaco wound up with a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds. McDavid have halted their four-game losing slide to rise in the Aspirants Group at 1-4.
Janus Lozada chipped in 14 points and three boards. Rev Diputado got five of his 12 in the fourth, where he sealed the game after Family Mart-Enderun threatened within two, 70-68 in the last 2:04.
Valandre Chauca carried the Titans with a near triple-double of 17 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, but missed two crucial buckets in the clutch. He also committed a costly turnover when Jerick Canada stole his pass with 10 seconds remaining.
Fonso Gotladera also collected 16 points and 15 rebounds, but his efforts were for naught as Family Mart-Enderun dropped to 0-5.
The Scores:
McDavid 73 — Sorela 22, Lozada 14, Diputado 12, Gaco 10, Canada 8, Arboleda 5, Colina 2, Melano 0, Caranguian 0, Monte 0.
FamilyMart-Enderun 68 — Chauca 17, Gotladera 16, Vidal 8, Gatdula 5, Presbitero 5, Nunez 4, Dungan 4, Dela Cruz 3, Tancioco 2, Sacundo 2, Mariano 2.
Quarterscores: 22-20, 52-36, 63-50, 73-68.
