PBA D-League: Juico, Banal help Wangs stun Cagayan

Michael Juico of Wangs Basketball (dark) vs Kenneth Ighalo of Cagayan Valley (light).

MANILA, Philippines – Wangs Basketball stunned Cagayan Valley 76-74 in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

Jonathan Banal buried the game-winning free throws that set the final score with 6.4 seconds left as the Couriers improved to 2-3.

“The players were really challenged in this game. The way we practice, I know it will be tight game,” said Wangs coach Pablo Lucas in Filipino.

Former San Sebastian guard Michael Juico topscored with 22 points for the Couriers, who won despite getting manhandled at the boards, 37-59.

A steal by Nard Pinto that led to a breakaway layup by Mark Cruz knotted the count at 74 with 27.4 seconds left before Banal was fouled by Mark Bringas for the go-ahead freebies.

The Rising Suns, who fell to 5-2, had a miserable outing offensively – shooting only 38% from the field, including just two-of-23 from long range and 12-of-28 at the line.

Kenneth Ighalo paced Cagayan with 16 points while Bringas added 12 points and 12 rebounds.  Pinto had 10 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

Related stories

NLEX checks Banchero, holds off Boracay Rum

Cervantes, Villahermosa lift Big Chill over Café France