Mindanao five breaks ice, pips BDO-Bulldogs

MINDANAO fought back from an early double-digit deficit to score its maiden victory at the expense of BDO-National U, 73-67, while AMA University also barged into the victory column yesterday in the PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena.

Dexter Garcia and former pro Robbie Celiz combined for 21 points to help the Agilas finally get over the hump after opening their campaign with four straight losses.

Celiz proved a welcome addition to the struggling Agilas, nailing a fadeaway with 23.6 ticks remaining as Mindanao iced the game even after trailing by 11 points in the first period.

The Titans also notched their first win in five games and relegated Wang’s Basketball to last place with a 97-90 triumph.

Jammer Jamito delivered a monster game with 24 points and 18 rebounds, while RR de Leon contributed 22 points as the Titans got their acts together in time after almost squandering a 19-point lead.

The Titans also got a stellar performance from Jerramy King who flirted with a near-triple-double after finishing with 12 points, 14 assists, and nine boards.

“We were able to sustain our game in the endgame which has been our problem in our last games,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera. “Hopefully, we can continue winning.”

The Couriers trimmed the lead to five several times in the final minute, but Jamito and Rashawn McCarthy responded to the challenge with big baskets to seal the victory.

An ecstatic Mindanao coach Nino Natividad dedicated the victory to the people in his hometown, Zamboanga City, where the owners of the team also come from.

“Its really hard to win at this level because the teams are really strong,” said Natividad. “But the players just trusted each other and showed the will to win.”

The Bulldogs’ strong start fizzled out after Matt Salem was ejected in the third quarter and center Alfred Aroga struggled with foul trouble.
The scores:
First Game
MINDANAO 73—Garcia 13, Celiz 9, Ignacio 8, Nalos 7, Ongteco 7, Acibar 6, Jumao-as 5, Sarangay 5, Argamino 4, Julkipli 4, Villanueva 4, De Guzman 1, Ferrer 0, Rivera 0.
BDO-NU 67—Alejandro 12, Salim 11, Javelona 9, Rono 8, Salem 7, Perez 5, Diputado 4, Tansingco 4, Yu 4, Labing-isa 3, Aroga 0.
Quarters: 13-22, 34-33, 59-48, 73-67
Second Game
AMA UNIVERSITY 97—Jamito 24, De Leon 22, King 12, Tampus 11, Alberto 7, Arambulo 6, Asuncion 5, McCarthy 5, Mendoza 5, Hernandez 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 90—Mangahas 21, Bautista 16, Tayongyong 16, Publico 11, Munsayac 9, Jo. Montemayor 8, Acosta 4, Capacio 4, Romero 1, Cueto 0, Ilad 0, Tumalip 0.
Quarters: 29-18, 52-39, 73-60, 97-90