MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers kept its unblemished slate in the 2019 PBA D-League after a 94-82 victory over Go for Gold-College of St. Benilde Blazers on Tuesday night at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Soulemane Chabi Yo led the way with 32 points, 25 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, Sherwin Concepcion added 13 points and 19 rebounds, while Negrense Mark Nonoy had 10 markers for the Tigers, which improved to 4-0.
The Tigers have a slow start before creating distance from the Blazers in the second period on inside hits by Chabi Yo and Concepcion to build a 10 point advantage in the third canto.
The Blazers went on a run midway in the fourth period and was able to come to as close as five points before Tigers pulled away for good on shots from Nonoy and Chabi Yo.
“We started flat, buti na lang ‘yung second stringers ko bumawi. It’s a preseason game, so ang priority namin is how to improve as a team. And nakikita ko na marami pang dapat trabahuhin,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo.
Justin Gutang finished with double-double 29 points and 11 rebounds, Jimboy Pasturan contributed 13 points, while forward Yankee Haruna chimed in 10 markers and five rebounds for the Blazers.
Meanwhile, Centro Escolar University Scorpions also maintained its unbeaten record after outlasting Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR, 71-65. Senegalese big man Malick Diouf finished with 21 points, 30 rebounds and four blocks for the Scorpions./PN
