Wangs posts lopsided win over Masterpiece-Trinity

Games Monday
(Paco Arena, Manila)

2 p.m. – Cignal-Ateneo vs Family Mart-Enderun
4 p.m. – Chadao-FEU vs Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR

MANILA, Philippines – Wangs Basketball clobbered The Masterpiece Clothing-Trinity University of Asia, 89-69, to claim its first win in the 2019 PBA D-League Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Arvin Tolentino grabbed the spotlight for the Couriers with his 13 points, on a 3-of-8 clip from threes, alongside 10 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block off the bench.

Axel Inigo chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Radge Tongco contributed 13 points, five assists, and three boards and Rickson Gerero got 12 points and five rebounds in the win for Wangs.

"Sobrang saya namin kasi nakita naman namin ang effort. Lahat ng pinaghirapan namin, nagbunga," said coach Pablo Lucas.

It was a superb third quarter for the Couriers as Tolentino and Daryl Singontiko found their mark from distance as they went on a 23-point eruption to take a 67-47 lead, that even ballooned to 25, 76-51 early in the fourth frame.

"Yung pressure defense namin, isa sa malaking bagay noong third quarter. Talagang pinahirapan namin sila mag-receive ng bola lalo na si (Michael) Canete dahil siya ang gumagawa sa kanila," said Lucas.

The win allowed Wangs to rise among the early leaders in the Foundation Group.

Michael Canete paced the White Stallions with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, as Levi dela Cruz got 11 points, six boards, five assists, and five steals in the loss.

The scores:

WANGS BASKETBALL 89 – Tolentino 13, Tongco 13, Inigo 12, Gerero 12, Santos 10, De Mesa 8, Singontiko 6, Estrella 6, Bulawan 4, Vito 3, Padua 2, Lucas 0, Lim 0, Brojan 0, Wong 0.

THE MASTERPIECE-TRINITY 69 – Canete 19, Dela Cruz 11, Balucanag 8, Mandreza 5, Concepcion 5, Villoria 5, Abanes 5, Biteng 4, Reyes 4, Nidoy 3, De Guzman 0, Montero 0.

Quarters: 24-20, 44-35, 67-48, 89-69.