Black Mamba Energy Drink escaped defeat from the hands of Italiano’s Homme, 80-75, to return to the win column of the 2019 PBA D-League Second Conference, Thursday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
John Tayongtong led the Energy Drink with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Nicol Bolos had 11 points and nine rebounds, while PJ Barua supplied 10 markers in the victory.
The Energy Drink built a 13-point lead late in the third quarter, 58-45, but Italiano’s Homme rallied in the payoff period and stole the advantage, 73-72, after a Marlon Gozum triple with 2:11 left in the game.
Tayongtong, though, responded with a three of his own right away to give Black Mamba the lead once more, 75-73, and then nailed three more free throws to shut the door close for the opposition.
“I just told them to make stops and run. That’s our game naman, running,” said coach Vis Valencia as his Black Mamba improved to 2-1 in Group B.
Francis Munsayac had 21 points, five assists, and four rebounds to lead Italiano’s Homme (1-2) in the losing effort.
The Scores:
Black Mamba 80 — Tayongtong 23, Bolos 11, Barua 10, Castro 9, Caranguian 8, Derige 7, Medina 4, Vidal 3, Carongoy 3, Gadon 2, Sison 0, Vitug 0, Santiago 0.
Italiano’s Homme 75 –– Munsayac 21, Monte 17, Gozum 12, Bonsubre 9, Roy 7, Cenal 3, Racho 2, Trance 2, Labastida 2, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 16-20, 30-30, 62-51, 80-75.
