Titans repel Generals in double OT

MANILA, Philippines — Franky Johnson took charge down the stretch as AMA Online Education edged Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College, 122-119, in a double-overtime battle in the PBA D-League at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao yesterday.

Johnson fired the Titans’ last nine points, seven from the free throw line, to personally repel the Generals in the tight contest and snap their three-game losing skein.

 “I told him (Johnson) to take charge. (Joshua) Munzon is a bit off so I told him (Johnson) that you are the main man, take charge, get the ball and go hard. At least, he delivered,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera as they improved to seventh in the Aspirants’ Group with their 2-4 mark.

Munzon actually fired a team-high 38 points that went with 16 rebounds, seven assists, six steals and a block.

But he botched his opportunities at the end of regulation – he lost hold of the leather with under six seconds remaining and scrambled for the loose ball with two defenders until time expired – and bungled a shot at the finish of the first extra time.

Johnson stepped up when it mattered and came through with a second-best 37 points he topped with five rebounds, four assists and four steals.