With something to prove, University of Santo Tomas rained on Cignal-Ateneo to take the 112-98 victory on Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Growling Tigers shot 19-of-44 from threes as they easily overturned a 15-point deficit in the second quarter and went on to take the 14-point win.
Mark Nonoy led the cavalry with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Rhenz Abando shot 6-of-9 sniping from downtown to notch 21, as well as collecting two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block.
Renzo Subido added 15 points built on five treys, alongside four assists, as Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo had 20 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
“Ang mindset namin dito sa game namin, ma-gauge kung nasaan na kami,” said coach Aldin Ayo. “(Ateneo) is the best collegiate team dito sa atin, so gusto lang namin na masukat lang ang kaya namin. Good thing naman makalaro ng maayos ang mga bata.”
UST gained solo leadership in the Aspirants Group at 3-0, while sending Cignal-Ateneo to its first defeat at 2-1.
Gian Mamuyac fired 18 points and two rebounds for the Blue Eagles, which were missing Ivorian center Ange Kouame and head coach Tab Baldwin.
Thirdy Ravena also had 10 points and five boards in his PBA D-League debut.
The Scores:
UST 112 –– Nonoy 23, Abando 21, Chabi Yo 20, Subido 15, Lee 7, Concepcion 7, Ando 7, Paraiso 6, Bataller 2, Pangilinan 2, Mahinay 0.
Cignal-Ateneo 98 –– Mamuyac 18, Mi. Nieto 14, Verano 13, Go 11, Ravena 10, Wong 10, Ma. Nieto 7, Berjay 7, Tio 5, Andrade 2, Daves 1, Credo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-32, 52-52, 83-74, 112-98.
