MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers overhauled a double-digit deficit to score a 112-98 victory over Cignal-Ateneo Blue Eagles in the 2019 PBA D-League on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Negrense Mark Nonoy led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal for the Growling Tigers, which seized the solo lead in the standings with 3-0 win-loss card.
Rhenz Abando chipped in 21 markers, including 6-of-9 sniping from downtown, while Soulemane Chabi Yo had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers, which torched the Blue Eagles with 19-of-44 three-point shooting.
After being down by as much as 15 points in the opening half, the Growling Tigers slowly inched closer on hits from Abando, Nonoy and Henri Lorenzo Subido for a 52-all halftime score.
The Tigers gained the advantage in third quarter with inside hits from Chabi Yo and outside conversions from Nonoy and Subido en route for its largest lead of the game at 19 points.
“Ang mindset namin dito sa game namin, ma-gauge kung nasaan na kami,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo. “(Ateneo) is the best collegiate team dito sa atin, so gusto lang namin na masukat lang ang kaya namin.”
Gian Mamuyac fired 18 points and two rebounds, while Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III made his PBA D-League debut with 10 points and five rebounds for the Blue Eagles (2-1).
Meanwhile, St. Clare College-Virtual Reality Sainted slayed another big fish, claiming an 82-77 win over Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers. Junjie Hallare led the way with 19 points for the Saints (2-0)./PN
