Juan Gomez de Liaño was back on Tokyo Z’s bench during their 64-82 loss against Sendai, Monday at Ota Ward General Gymnasium.
Despite poor shooting from Tsubasa Kurihara and Mark Burton, Earthfriends head coach Hugo Lopez sat Gomez de Liano for the entire first half.
The 6-foot Fil-Spaniard started in the second half and delivered the best way he could.
In just eight minutes of action, Gomez de Liaño had three assists and an assist. Despite shooting 0-of-4 in the game and going scoreless, he was the only Tokyo Z player with a positive rating with a plus-four.
With Gomez de Liaño on the floor, Tokyo Z was able to cut a 25-36 halftime deficit down to two after a bucket courtesy of Eddy Norelia.
Justin Burrell was able to answer right back on the other end.
After a Gomez de Liaño turnover, he was immediately pulled back to the bench. The 89ers ended the third canto on top, 46-53. He only returned for a little over three minutes in the final quarter.
The 89ers then zoomed in the final frame, leading by as much as 20 points, 82-62, after a Jerome Meyinsse bucket in the closing seconds of the game.
Shinya Takagi led the way for Tokyo Z with 20 points built on five triples with six rebounds.
Norelia continued his consistent outings for Earthfriends, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Tokyo Z dropped to 0-6, while Sendai went up to 4-2.
The 89ers had three players score in double-figures. Shuta Watanabe led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He knocked down four of his nine attempts from distance.
Hayato Kantake had 15 points, while Meyinsse had 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
Up next for Gomez de Liaño and Earthfriends are Nagoya on Saturday still at Ota Ward General Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 12:30 PM (Manila time).
