Wangs stuns Racal, improves to 3-2
Chris Bitoon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Wangs Basketball pulled off a 93-84 upset over Racal Motors Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Chris Bitoon dropped 13 of his 22 points in the second half, to go along with five steals, four rebounds, and three assists, while Robbie Herndon got a double-double in tune of his 17 markers and 13 boards to steer the Couriers to back-to-back wins for a franchise-best 3-2 slate.
Michole Sorela poured in 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter pull away, on top of seven rebounds.
“We have finally gotten the chemistry we’re looking for,” said Wangs coach Pablo Lucas in Filipino. “Unlike before that there’s a wall between the locals and the Fil-Ams, we motivated them to unite as one if we want to win.”
With Wangs holding on to a close 70-68 lead with 8:09 left in the payoff period, Sorela strung eight straight points to command his team’s 11-4 blast to grab an 81-72 advantage and keep the Alibaba at bay for the last four minutes of the game.
Lucas is hopeful that this stretch of victories will continue as the Couriers eye a spot in the quarterfinals.
“We had a good win last game and we’re wishing that this continues. We beat a big fish and we got that through our hard work and effort,” he said.
New recruit Marlon Gomez paced Racal (2-2), which stumbled to its second straight loss, with 15 points and six rebounds.
Roider Cabrera went 3-of-8 from threes to wind up with 14 markers, while Gwynne Capacio got 12 points and four boards in the defeat.
The scores:
WANGS BASKETBALL 93 – Bitoon 22, Herndon 17, De Chavez 13, Sorela 13, Habelito 10, Juico 9, Arambulo 4, Montemayor 3, Riley 2, Ambulodto 0, Asuncion 0, King 0, Tayongtong 0.
RACAL MOTORS 84 – Gomez 15, Cabrera 14, Capacio 12, Lozada 11, Cortes 9, Mangahas 8. Tallo 8, Ayonayon 4, Dela Cruz 2, Apreku 1, Abrigo 0, Ortuoste 0, Salado 0.
Quarters: 29-24, 45-47, 66-63, 93-84.
