Figuring in a skid, Chadao-FEU stopped the bleeding and got back to their winning ways with a 106-81 triumph over The Masterpiece Clothing-Trinity University of Asia in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
L-Jay Gonzales was the motor for the Tamaraws in the win with his all-around performance of 14 points, five boards, four steals, and two assists.
Joseph Nunag topped his side with 16 points and five rebounds off the bench, while Hubert Cani also unfurled 16 points, three boards, and three assists.
Brandrey Bienes had a near-double-double of 12 points and nine rebounds for Chadao-FEU, while Wendell Comboy and Cameroonian slotman Patrick Tchuente combined for 22.
Chadao-FEU finally found the breathing room they needed entering the fourth period when four players from The Masterpiece-Trinity were whistled for technical fouls for not reporting to the table officials.
Nunag then made three of the four technical free throws, which was part of an 11-0 spurt that turned a 73-64 affair to a 20-point advantage, 84-64 midway through the final frame.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila, we’re here to get better each game,” said coach Olsen Racela, as Chadao-FEU evened its standing to 2-2 in the Foundation Group.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re on a losing streak, but on a coaches’ standpoint, if we feel na nagi-improve kami, ok kami kasi yun naman ang goal namin,” the PBA legend added.
Bobby Balucanag carried the winless The Masterpiece-Trinity (0-3) with 31 points and six boards in the loss.
The Scores:
Chadao-FEU 106 — Nunag 16, Cani 16, Gonzales 14, Bienes 12, Comboy 11, Tchuente 11, Celzo 8, Roman 8, Bayquin 6, Stockton 2, Dulatre 2, Jopia 0, Senining 0, Mallari 0.
The Masterpiece-Trinity 81 — Balucanag 31, Vidal 16, Canete 12, Montero 7, Dela Cruz 5, Nidoy 3, Juanico 2, Alban 2, Reyes 2, Vitug 1, Tadeo 0, Ortega 0, Biteng 0.
Quarterscores: 21-15, 42-36, 73-64, 106-81.
