Fil-Am hotshot sizzles for 39 as Warriors deal Tornadoes 1st loss

MANILA, Philippines -- Fil-Am Ryan Wetherell came through with a spectacular performance as he powered the Laguna Busa Warriors to a come-from-behind 89-86 win over the previously unbeaten Pampanga Foton Tornadoes to barge into the win column in the FilSports Basketball Association Unity Games Friday night.

Playing before a hostile crowd at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga, Wetherell was unperturbed as he erupted for a season-best 38 points, the bulk of which came in the fourth quarter when the Warriors overhauled a nine-point deficit to snatch the win.

It was the first win for Laguna, a team mentored by former star Nic Belasco and assistant Ali Peek, after dropping their first two assignments including one in Wetherell’s first game when he couldn’t finish after twisting an ankle.

After a two-game absence, Wetherell is back with a vengeance.

“He was simply fantastic in this game, he’s ready for the PBA,” said Belasco.

The Tornadoes, who blew a nine-point lead midway in the final period, fell to their first defeat after three straight triumphs.

In the other game, Metro Racal Artemis routed the Malolos Mighty Bulsu, 87-72, to jump into a share of the top sport with Pampanga Foton with identical 3-1 (win-loss) records.
Jan Acebron paced his team with 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists in a game where the Autocenter Artemis led by as much as 21 points.

Malolos fell into a two-way tie with the University of the Philippinas Maroons at No. 3 with 2-2 cards.
Meanwhile, the league will take a Lenten break will resume their last playing day of the first round on April 11 with all six teams playing in Malabon City in this league headed by LJ Serrano and Vince Hizon as commissioner.

Games are being aired by PTV 4 from Monday to Friday at 3 p.m.