In an inter-league battle, the St. Clare College-Virtual Reality Saints chalked up a win, topping the Go for Gold-CSB Scratchers, 92-78, Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Joshua Fontanilla came out of nowhere and dropped 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, alongside four steals, three rebounds, two blocks, and two blocks. His performance helped the Saints bamboozle the Scratchers after a spirited third quarter run.
The 20-year-old guard commanded the 18-5 assault that turned a 70-68 lead to a 14-point advantage, 88-74, in the final two minutes of the game.
“Buo lang ang loob ng bata. Napagalitan ko siya pero pagbalik, nag-take over. Maganda ang pagtapos sa game,” said coach Jinino Manansala of Fontanilla.
Junjie Hallare chipped in 13 points, six boards, three assists, and three steals. Ray Rubio shared 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, Irvin Palencia had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the victory. The Saints now join the early leaders of the Aspirants Group.
On the other hand, Go for Gold-CSB succumbed to their second defeat after winning the Foundation Cup last season.
Justin Gutang paced the wasteful Scratchers with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals, as he went 5-of-13 from the field.
Go for Gold-CSB committed 33 turnovers in the game, as Gutang and Unique Naboa both wasted the ball five times each.
The Scores:
St. Clare-Virtual Reality 92 — Fontanilla 27, Hallare 13, Rubio 11, Palencia 11, Ambuludto 9, Pare 8, Santos 7, Rivera 3, Fuentes 3, Tecson 0, De Leon 0.
Go for Gold-CSB 78 –– Gutang 16, Belgica 13, Haruna 12, Adams 9, Dixon 8, Naboa 5, Pangalangan 4, Pasturan 4, Leutcheu 3, Carlos 2, Velasco 2, Young 0, Nayve 0, Lim 0.
Quarterscores: 22-16, 38-33, 59-60, 92-78.
