MANILA – Dave Ando came up with a go-ahead basket as Ironcon-UST Growling Tigers cruised to a 78-75 victory over St. Clare College Virtual Reality Saints in the 2019 PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After losing its 73-67 edge late in the match on Thursday night, Ando surged the Tigers ahead anew at 76-75 on an undergoal stab with 20.4 seconds remaining. Brent Paraiso then canned two free throws to extend the lead to three with 4.3 left.
Paraiso finished the match with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists while Negrense Mark Nonoy and Rhenz Abando chipped in 13 points each for the Growling Tigers.
The Growling Tigers managed to pull off the victory, which improved them to 6-2 win-loss slate despite the absence of Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo and Marvin Lee.
“We just executed the game plan. The players did not deviate from the plan kasi ‘yun ‘yung tendency ng mga bata. They just executed,” said Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo.
Meanwhile, Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR Golden Harvest remained in the hunt for the Foundation Group top spot after dismantling CD14 Designs-Trinity, 105-82.
Emmanuel Bonleon stepped up for the Golden Harvest, uncorking 20 of his 23 points in the first half as his side took the 36-23 lead at the end of the first period.
Allyn Bulanadi was at his lethal self with a team-high 28 points, alongside six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while JM Calma had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds./PN
