Bombers clobber D-L newcomer
Jose Rizal University used a furious second quarter run as it clobbered newcomer Mila’s Lechon, 96-67, in a big start in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.
Paolo Pontejos fired eight points in the Heavy Bombers’ huge 18-2 run in the second quarter then Jeckster Apinan and John Grospe took over to complete the blowout win that put them alongside Go for Gold, Che’Lu-SSC and WangsLetran at 1-0.
It was also an impressive coaching debut for the 24-yearold former Heavy Bomber Gio Lasquety who has taken over the role from long-time JRU chief tactician Vergel Meneses, now serving as the team consultant.
“It feels different because I am not playing and I am the one guiding them. But I am thankful because we were able to execute and defend well,” said Lasquety, who served as JRU’s playing assistant coach in his final year in the 93rd NCAA season.
Apinan topscored for JRU with 20 points, Grospe added 16 while Pontejos made 14 points.
Hesed Gabo and Andrew Estrella combined for 27 points for the Mighty Roasters.
Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum, meanwhile, notched its second straight win after an opening game defeat, beating AMA Online Education, 109-85.
The Jawbreakers dominated early, racing to a 31-19 lead and staying in control throughout for an easy 24-point romp.
“We want to keep on sustaining the energy. We want to change the way the D-League will be played from here on. They have to keep up to us rather than us keeping up to them,” said Zark’s BurgersLPU coach Topex Robinson.
Mike Harry Nzeusseu and CJ Perez logged in a pair of doubledoubles with the former coming through wtih 17 points and 10 rebounds he spiked with two steals, two blocks and an assist and the latter turning in 15 points and 14 rebounds with five assists, a block and a steal to boot.
In the third game, AkariAdamson unleashed a strong finishing kick to outlast Marinerong Pilipino, 80-75.
Tyrus Hill hit a jumper to spark the Falcons’ decisive 7-0 windup to hurdle their opening game assignment while foiling the Skippers’ bid to grab the early lead at 2-0.