Hazchem nips Nailtalk-Savio to open PBA D-League bid

Games Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
1:30 p.m. – iWalk vs AMA Online Education
3:30 p.m. – Hyperwalk vs BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare
5:30 p.m. – Asia's Lashes vs CEU

MANILA, Philippines – Hazchem started its 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup on a high note, beating fellow debutant Nailtalk-Savio, 98-78, Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Raymark Matias powered the Green Warriors with 24 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block in the dominant win as all but two players in the squad scored at least two points in the victory.

"Siya yung go-to guy ko. Siya yung nagmo-motivate ng team," said coach Manuel Torralba of Matias.

After nearly losing a 15-point second quarter lead, the Green Warriors surged back in the third canto, unloading a 9-0 blitz en route to a 66-47 advantage with 4:44 on the clock.

Nailtalk-Savio, though, fought back again and got to within just eight, 80-72, with 6:20 left in the game before Matias and Marvin Morraga nailed back-to-back hits to restore order and cruise to the huge win.

Morraga added 11 points, six assists, and two boards, while Mark Anthony Trinidad got nine in the conquest.

"Binuo namin tong team na to almost three weeks lang. Hindi namin alam kung tutuloy kami. Credit to the players and the staff for this win. Hindi sa akin," said Torralba.

Normel Delos Reyes led the Unicorns with 19 points. 

RR De Leon supplied 15 points and seven rebounds, as Jasper Boac chimed in 10 markers and 11 boards.

The scores:

HAZCHEM 98 – Matias 24, Morraga 11, Trinidad 9, Elmejrab 8, Glorioso 8, Mendez 7, Sicat 6, Adviento 6, Ynion 6, Acain 4, Caparida 4, Dagupio 3, Arellano 2, Dela Pena 0, Serrano 0.

NAILTALK-SAVIO 78 – Delos Reyes 19, R. De Leon 15, Boac 10, Diaz 10, Colomot 7, Rublico 5, Mienlam 5, Ibarra 4, Tenedero 3, J. De Leon 0, Camaso 0.

Quarters: 28-19, 51-41, 76-59, 98-78.