Titans escape Dragons for 1st win

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AMA Online Education slipped past Blustar Detergent, 81-78, to claim its first win in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Rashawn McCarthy proved that his transfer back to the Titans is worth it, leading the way with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Jay-R Taganas nabbed a double-double with 16 markers and 11 boards.

“Malaking tulong talaga si McCarthy at Taganas kasi pakonti-konti, nabubuo ko na yung team na gusto namin,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera.

Jayson Jordan got 13 points and five rebounds in the AMA win.

The Titans battled back from a 12-point deficit, 64-52 in the fourth and took the lead, 75-74 with a Ryan Arambulo fastbreak layup with 3:19 left to set up the thrilling finish.

Rey Publico split his free throws to erect the 81-78 lead with 7.6 seconds left, but McCarthy failed to close the deal out, missing on a drive in the ensuing possession.

Chun Hong Ting, however, turned the ball over as his pass to Juami Tiongson went out of bounds with 1.5 ticks left.

“Kamuntik pa. Buti na lang nag-turnover sila,” said Herrera, as AMA improved to 1-4.

Wong Yi Hou led Blustar (1-5) with 21 points and five rebounds, while Tiongson finished with 20 markers, five boards, and four assists.

The scores:

AMA 81 – McCarthy 20, Taganas 16, Jordan 13, Siruma 9, Arambulo 7, Publico 7, Bragais 5, Jo. Montemayor 4, Calma 0, Gutierrez 0, Magpantay 0, Je. Montemayor 0, Ragasa 0.

BLUSTAR 78 – Wong 21, Tiongson 20, Kuek 15, Yeo 11, Ma 10, Ting 1, Choo 0, Palma 0, Teo 0.

Quarters: 19-23, 36-36, 59-67, 81-78