La Union proved steady down the stretch, escaping Muntinlupa in a foul-filled game, 91-83, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go NBL Chairman’s Cup, Saturday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Trailing by 10 late in the match, Kyle Villablanca drained back-to-back triples to bring the Water Warriors within four, 83-87, with 1:42 left.
However, Gay Lord Pambid scored four points off a layup and two free throws to restore order as the PAOwer defended perfectly to hike their record to 2-0.
Multiple times in the fourth period, Muntinlupa closed the gap to just two points but that was a barrier it could not break as La Union always had a counter-run.
The two teams combined for 73 fouls, resulting in 40 freebies for the Water Warriors and 27 for the PAOwer.
Pambid registered a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on top of three steals.
Kirk Agulan was a revelation off the bench with 21 points, draining five three-pointers.
Jonathan Ablao added 17 points, while Ervin Silverie had 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Jed Mendoza led the Water Warriors with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists against five turnovers.
Biboy Enguio tallied 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Miguel Arias got 13 points and 13 rebounds.
La Union’s Billy Boado (second quarter) and Muntinlupa’s Andretti Stevens (fourth quarter) were both ejected for two technical fouls.
The Scores:
La Union 91 – Agulan 21, Pambid 18, Ablao 17, Silverie 16, Apolonio 9, Boado 4, Llona 2, Blaza 2, Caasi 2, Camaya 9, Francisco 0, Pascua 0, Doliente 0, Gatchalian 0.
Muntinlupa 83 РMendoza 22, Enguio 17, Arias 13, Villablanca 13, Labrador 8, Codi̱era 6, Sabado 4, Montserrat 0, Stevens 0, Danga 0, Panganiban 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 38-32, 56-52, 91-83.
