Team Batangas used a gallant stand in the end game as it rolled to an 88-85 win over Victoria Sports-Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions to nab up its first win in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Tuesday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Joseph Sedurifa topped his crew with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, Dan Sara tallied 15 markers, five boards, and three assists, and Cedric Ablaza chalked up 15 points and seven rebounds to arrest the Batanguenos’ two-game losing slide.
“Masaya syiempre. More than anything, we’re seeing the Batanguenos grow,” said coach Eric Gonzales. “Marami pa kaming kailangang i-improve, but I’m very happy na di sila nag-back down sa challenge.”
Using a strong fourth quarter spurt, Batangas jumped to a 10-point lead, 73-63 before Victoria Sports waged a tough comeback bid and even grabbed an 85-84 edge with 2:36 to play after Robbie Herndon trey.
Sedurifa nailed a jumper to reclaim the lead for Batangas, before Ablaza dropped an undergoal stab with 46.2 ticks to play.
Victoria Sports muffed its chances late, but was given one last shot with 5.5 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, Zach Nicholls’ three only hit the front rim as his side fell to its second loss.
Batangas shot 51 percent from the field compared to just 40 percent from the Stallions. In addition, Victoria Sports converted on just nine of their 20 free throw attempts.
Herndon carried Victoria Sports with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Aris Dionisio and Mike Ayonayon added 10 markers each.
Batangas will next face Racal on February 5, Monday, at 3:00 PM, whole Victoria Sports will take on Tanduay the next day, February 6, Tuesday, at 5:00 PM. Both matches will be played at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Scores:
Batangas 88 – Sedurifa 17, Ablaza 15, Sara 15, Dela Pena 14, Fortu 9, Anderson 4, De Joya 4, Laude 4, Isit 2, Mendoza 2, Revadavia 2, Delfinado 0, Lascano 0, Magbuhos 0.
Victoria Sports-MLQU 85 – Herndon 27, Ayonayon 10, Dionisio 10, Grimaldo 9, Koga 9, Ragasa 7, Mag-isa 6, Bitoon 4, Nicholls 3.
Quarterscores: 20-26, 42-45, 65-63, 88-85.
