Mike Tolomia of Zambales (dark) vs Jonathan Banal of Wangs (light). NUKI SABIO/PBA IMAGE
MANILA, Philippines — Zambales M-Builders picked up its second victory in the 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, inching fellow newcomer Wangs Basketball 76-74 Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Carl Bryan Cruz, a Far Eastern University stalwart, knocked down two freethrows with 8.6 seconds remaining, giving the M-Builders a 76-71 spread to finally shut down Couriers’ attack.
Former University of the Philippines Maroon Joshua Saret led with 15 points, all but three coming in the second half while Cruz had 12 points and six rebounds for Zambales M-Builders.
John Ray Alabanza posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds even as Tamaraws Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy combined for 21 points.
“This is a good win going into our 10-day break,” said head coach Junel Mendiola in Filipino. “But we still need to work on our familiarity as a team.”
The M-Builders, one of the five new teams this 2013-2014 season, are off to a strong start with 2-1 card, behind earlier leader Cagayan (2-0).
Wangs failed to notch the win in its debut, but showed flashes of dominance by even leading in the assists department, 20-1, fastbreak points,15-11, and matching M-Builders’ in rebounding, 46-all.
The Couriers started out the fourth quarter on a 10-4 blast to pull within three, but had a hard time inching closer when Jonathan Banal’s final heave with 2.4 seconds left set the final score.
Michael Juico had 19 points, Karlo Gomez 18 points and 12 rebounds and Jonathan Banal 16 markers for Wangs Ballclub.
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