MANILA – Wangs Basketball Couriers leaned on the strong showing of Arvin Tolentino as it defeated Marinerong Pilipino Skippers, 88-78, in the 2019 PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Tolentino had his best game in the league with 32 points, on a 3-of-7 shooting from three-point line, aside from 12 rebounds and four blocks to help the Couriers rise to 2-1 win-loss slate.
Gelo Vito chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, Darius Estrella contributed 10 points and five boards, and Ranbill Tongco had 11 points and three assists for the Couriers.
However, it was the defense of the Couriers in the fourth quarter which created the difference as the Skippers missed their first eight shots while the former staged a 13-0 run to turn 58-57 lead to a commanding 71-57 edge with 6:31 left.
The Skippers made its last push behind Felix Apreku and Jed Mendoza but the Couriers got timely conversions from Tolentino to increase the lead back to 80-70 with 2:32 remaining.
“Malaking isda ang Marinero. Napakalaking bagay sa amin na napaghandaan namin ang team nila,” said Couriers head coach Pablo Lucas.
Orlan Wamar finished with 25 points, on a 5-of-9 shooting from distance, while Apreku registered a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Skippers, which dropped to 2-2 record.
In the other match, Cha Dao Far Eastern University Tamaraws snapped its two-game losing skid with a 106-81 domination over the The Masterpiece-Trinity University of Asia./PN
