MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers survived a 46-point outburst of AMA Online Education Titans rookie Joshua Munzon to score a 113-108 win in the 2019 PBA D-League on Tuesday night at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Soulemane Chabi Yo led the way with 25 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks, while incoming rookie Sherwin Concepcion added double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Tigers, which improved to a 2-0 win-loss slate.
Henri Lorenzo Subido and Rhanz Abando each had 19 markers, while Negrense guard Mark Nonoy tallied 14 markers, all coming in the Growling Tigers’ huge fourth quarter run.
Down by as much as 11 points late in the third period, the Growling Tigers went on a huge run early in the fourth period behind Nonoy, Abando and Concepcion for an 85-82 lead.
The Tigers was able to widen the lead to 95-88 on hits from Concepcion, Nonoy and Chabi Yo but three point conversions from Munzon and Kirell Montalbo allowed the Titans to tie the score at 106-all.
The Tigers countered with a triple from Concepcion and two free throws from Nonoy to make it a 111-106 score. Munzon cut the deficit to 108-111 but two free throws by Chabi Yo sealed the win for UST.
“Our composure was tested. For sure natuto kami rito. Halos ratratan eh, so every time we experience that, mate-test ‘yung decision making ng mga players,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo.
Munzon tallied 46 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, and four assists, while fellow rookies Franky Johnson added 21 points and seven rebounds, and Troy Rike had 13 markers and nine boards for the Titans (1-1).
Marinerong Pilipino Skippers whipped SMDC-National University Bulldogs, 86-71, to chalk one in the win column. Leonard Santillan led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, as Anton Asistio added 14 points./PN
