Blustar ends winless run, trumps Topstar ZC Mindanao

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Blustar Detergent seized its first win in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, shutting down Topstar ZC Mindanao, 89-75, Thursday at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.

Picking up valuable lessons from their first four defeats, the Dragons started out strong with a 48-33 lead at halftime and kept their advantage up until the end, leading by as much as 26, 84-58.

Juami Tiongson anchored the historic win for the Malaysians with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

“I can just give the credit to Tiongson, he’s the guy who is pushing our whole team. We need one guy like him and he’s a good example for us to learn from,” said coach Goh Cheng Huat.

Wong Yi Hou added 19 markers and seven boards, while Kuek Tian Yuan registered a double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six dimes to improve Blustar’s record to 1-4.

Goh, however, still wasn’t satisfied with what he saw as the Dragons eye back-to-back wins against AMA Online Education on Monday.

“We’re slightly seeing improvements, but today’s win still isn’t impressive. We need to improve more,” he said.

Gino Jumao-as led the still winless Topstar ZC Mindanao (0-4) with 16 points.

The Scores:

BLUSTAR 89 – Tiongson 24, Wong 19, Kuek 18, Choo 9, Ma 8, Ting 6, Yeo 5, Liaw 0, Mak 0, Ong 0, Palma 0, Teo 0, Tong 0.
TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 75 – Jumao-as 16, Garcia 11, Ferrer 10, Ongteco 10, Cawaling 7, Acosta 6, Argamino 4, Tano 4, Rono 3, Sarangay 3, Rivera 1, Cabrera 0, Ignacio 0.

Quarters: 24-16, 48-33, 72-54, 89-75.