Asia’s Lashes in quarters

I told them we can’t lose to them because we won’t be able to make the quarterfinals

Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato advanced to the quarterfinals after outlasting iWalk, 72-70, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

James Castro came up big for the Asia’s Lashes as he finished with 13 points including the game-winning basket.

Jeson Delfinado also had 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds while Jhygrus Laude contributed nine for Asia’s Lashes.

“I told them we can’t lose to them because we won’t be able to make the quarterfinals. My players were relaxed. I told them we can’t be overconfident because they may be small but they are fast and they are scorers,” head Coach Alvin Grey said.

Asia’s Lashes was holding a 69-67 lead with 2:09 remaining when Bernie Bregondo drained a huge three-pointer to give the Chargers a 70-69 edge,

After JP Sarao split his free throws to tie the game at 70-all with 1:23 left, Castro came through with a spinning layup that proved to be the game-winner.

“I just told James to keep attacking (Axel) Inigo because we’re countering what they’re doing, I told him to attack him because they have a hard time guarding you,” Grey added.

The victory improved Asia’s Lashes record to 4-2 and become the third team to clinch a playoff spot in Group A, joining Marinerong Pilipino and Centro Escolar University which are both toting identical 5-0 slates.

The Chargers slid to 2-4 and were officially out of the running. Inigo led iWalk with 18 points while Bregondo added 13 and seven rebounds.