PBA D-League: AMA downs McDavid

Games Thursday

(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)

12 p.m. – The Masterpiece-Trinity vs Wangs Basketball

2 p.m. – Metropac-San Beda vs Perpetual

4 p.m. – Go for Gold-CSB vs St. Clare Virtual Reality

MANILA, Philippines – AMA Online Education steered past McDavid to take an 80-65 victory Tuesday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Paco Arena in Manila.

Franky Johnson played big in this season opener for the Titans with his 24 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Joshua Munzon also registered a double-double with his 12 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, as fellow rookie Troy Rike collected 15 points and eight rebounds.

"Buti nag-jell kami nang maaga. At least, nag-sama sama sila," said a jovial coach Mark Herrera.

Johnson's early spurt allowed AMA to take a 10-0 lead as they went on cruise control in the wire-to-wire victory, annexing the lead to as much as 18, 71-53 early in the fourth period.

Newcomer Kib Montalbo also chimed in six points and five assists for the Titans, in a game where Andre Paras only saw four minutes of action.

AMA grabbed a share of the Aspirants Group lead together with opening week winners Cignal-Ateneo and UST.

McDavid, on the other hand, leaned on Jason Melano who collected 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

The scores:

AMA ONLINE EDUCATION 80 – Johnson 24, Rike 15, Munzon 12, Parcero 8, Montalbo 6, Yu 6, Dela Virgen 5, Garcia 2, Bederi 2, Tambeling 0, Estibar 0, Paras 0, Asuncion 0, Liwag 0, Gonzaga 0.

MCDAVID 65 – Melano 15, Martinez 10, Escosio 8, Diputado 7, Canada 6, Sorela 4, Colina 4, Monte 3, Pena 2, Cruz 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarters: 21-14, 45-35, 62-53, 80-65.