Tomas Tigers walloped Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 94-70, in the 2019 PBA D-League on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The La Carlota City, Negros Occidental native – the youngest player in PBA D-League history at 18 – finished with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal for the Growling Tigers.
“Kinakabahan din ako, pero sabi sa amin ni coach Aldin (Ayo), ‘pag kinabahan ka, sumandal ka lang sa sistema,” said Nonoy. “Hinayaan ko lang ‘yung laro ko. Kung anuman ang maitulong ko sa mga kuya ko, kina coach, ‘yun lang ang ginagawa ko.”
Aside from Nonoy, Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo also had a solid debut of 19 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, while Rhanz Abando chipped in 17 points, nine boards, two dimes for the Tigers.
Abando led the blazing 10-0 start for the Growling Tigers that set the tone for the game and allowed them to annex the lead to as much as 33, 75-42, late in the third courtesy of Germy Mahinay’s free throws.
“Masaya kami kasi nakapaglaro agad ng maayos ‘yung mga bago. Nakapag-adjust sila agad,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo. “Unang liga namin ito na big league. Masaya naman ako na hindi kami masyadong tight and nailabas nila ‘yung laro nila.”
Earvin Mendoza led finished with 14 points, three steals, and two rebounds off the bench, as Allan Martin scored 10 markers for the losing Batangas-EAC.
In the other match, Cha Dao Tea Place-Far Eastern University Tamaraws outlasted SMDC-National University Bulldogs, 84-62. Louell Gonzales finished with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Tamaraws./PN
