Chadao-FEU rode on L-Jay Gonzales’ hot streak to score the 71-63 conquest over Wangs Basketball, Tuesday in the 2019 PBA D-League at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The sophomore guard continued his sensational run in the developmental ranks with his 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
“Yung improvement ng team namin, nagmumula kay L-Jay,” said coach Olsen Racela as he praised his point guard’s growth.
Gonzales helped the Tamaraws hold off a feisty comeback from the Couriers, turning a 59-56 affair to a commanding 68-60 lead in the final 38.6 seconds.
Branrey Bienes also chipped in 13 points and three boards, while Joseph Nunag got 10 points and three rebounds for the Tamaraws, who rose to solo fourth place in the Foundation Group at 4-3.
“Feeling ko we’ve been improving every game and yun naman ang goal namin: to improve in every game we play. Yun ang nangyayari sa amin,” said Racela.
Arvin Tolentino fought his old teammates for the first time and mustered 17 points and 13 rebounds to carry the fight for Wangs.
Back-to-back losses for the Couriers dropped them to fifth in the group with their even 3-3 record, tied with Marinerong Pilipino.
The Scores:
Chadao-FEU 71 — Gonzales 20, Bienes 13, Nunag 10, Cani 9, Ebona 6, Celzo 4, Tuffin 3, Comboy 3, Flores 2, Tchuente 1, Stockton 0, Bayquin 0, Senining 0.
Wangs 63 — Tolentino 17, Vito 7, Lim 7, Tongco 6, Estrella 5, De Mesa 5, Singontiko 5, Inigo 3, Gerero 2, Santos 2, Bulawan 2, Lucas 2, Brojan 0, Ilac 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 38-31, 55-50, 71-63.