Manila-Frontrow handed the also-ran Parañaque-Yabo Sports a 28-point beating, 106-78, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup, Tuesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Stars — who suffered a heartbreaking 76-77 loss to 1Bataan last January 6 — dominated the match right from the get-go, with Jollo Go and Jonjon Gabriel leading the way.
Go and Gabriel poured 22 points in a 31-point first quarter, 31-16, which paved the way for Manila’s domination. Parañaque was able to cut it to 11 points off a jumper from James Abugan in the third quarter, 40-61. However, it was the closest the visiting team would get.
Marvin Lee then sank a three-point shot to give the home team its biggest advantage, 95-65, with 4:56 left in the game.
“Gusto lang namin mag-bounce back doon sa talo namin na ‘yon [against Bataan]. Hindi kami nakatulog ng ilang araw. Naka-focus talaga sila, ready sila mag-bounce back,” said Manila head coach Tino Pinat.
Carlo Lastimosa and Mark Dyke spearheaded the offensive attack with 16 points each. The latter also collected four boards, three assists, and three steals.
Gabriel made the most of Marvin Hayes and Gabby Espinas’ absence, filling in 13 points and eight boards in 12 minutes and 33 seconds of action.
Manila now stands at 22-4 — a game behind North leader San Juan, who boasts a 22-3 standing.
Meanwhile, Abugan and Jemal Vizcarra both scored 15 markers for the 8-18 Parañaque, who remains at the 12th spot of the same division.
The Scores:
Manila-Frontrow (106) – Lastimosa 16, Dyke 16, Gabriel 13, Dionisio 9, Go 9, Lee 7, Bitoon 7, Tallo 6, Matias 6, Laude 4, Lopez 4, Montilla 3, Bringas 2, Arellano 2, Camacho 2
Paranaque-Yabo Sports (78) – Vizcarra 15, Abugan 15, Solis 12, Pido 10, Banzali 9, Mangalino 6, Begaso 4, Antonares 2, Rabe 2, Sunga 2, Saguiguit 0
Quarterscores: 31-16, 56-36, 82-56, 106-78
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
