Laguna arrested its four-game skid after edging out a rebranded Mindoro by 19, 106-87, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go NBL Chairman’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, Saturday night.
Jeff Disquitado just missed a triple-double with nine points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Pistons rose to 2-4, good for seventh spot.
After trailing by as much as 16 in the first half, the Tamaraws Nex Gen were able to cut the deficit to just seven, via a 16-7 blast, 54-61 with 6:36 left in the third period.
However, that would be the closest Mindoro could get as the Laguna imposed its will throughout the quarter, entering the fourth with a 12-point advantage, 82-70.
The Pistons then backstopped that effort with a strong 15-6 start in the payoff frame to erect a huge 21-point margin, 97-76, with 4:47 to go.
Laguna captain Shin Manacsa displayed his best offensive performance to date with 24 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
King Fadriquela tallied 17 points and five assists, while Kim Galamiton had 16 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.
Kerr Bangeles paced the Tamaraws with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while JJ Caspe got 13 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds.
Luigi Natada contributed 14 points off the bench for Mindoro. Agapito Bernal fell one rebound short of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Tamaraws will open the NBL festivities tomorrow against Quezon at 4 pm, followed by a clash between Laguna and Parañaque at 6 pm.
The Scores:
Laguna 106 – Manacsa 24, Fadriquela 17, Galamiton 16, Junsay 11, Amil 11, Disquitado 9, Rosale 4, Rosales 4, Oaoa 3, Pantaleon 3, Santos 2, Daquis 2, Sunga 0, Cardeno 0.
Mindoro 87 – Bangeles 19, Natada 14, Caspe 13, Huerto 11, Bernal 11, Garcia 6, Gadon 4, Cascalla 3, Sarmiento 2, Musngi 2, Alulod 2, Guinto 0, Axalan 0, Famadico 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14, 54-38, 82-70, 106-87.
