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AMA Online Education got back to its winning ways, burying Topstar ZC Mindanao, 109-84 Thursday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Titans improved their standing to 2-5, while the Aguilas continued to stay in the cellar with their ninth straight defeat.
After jumping to an early 16-4 start, AMA’s comfortable lead was chucked away by Mindanao thanks to Gino Jumao-as.
But the Titans would rekindle that flame, blasting the Aguilas with a 30-point third quarter to once again pull away and take a lead as high as 29, 103-74.
Rashawn McCarthy paced AMA with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Ryan Arambulo also got 24 markers, three boards, and three dimes.
Jay-R Taganas was also a huge spark for the Titans, finishing with a near triple-double of 17 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists.
Winning its second game in seven outings, AMA coach Mark Herrera is still optimistic that his team can make a late run to the playoffs.
“Sana kung magtuloy-tuloy yung magandang laro namin, magkakaroon pa kami ng chance na manalo. Pwede pa naman kami makahabol,” he said.
Dexter Garcia led Topstar ZC Mindanao with 25 points.
The Scores:
AMA 109 – Arambulo 24, McCarthy 24, Taganas 17, Martinez 14, Asuncion 12, Macaranas 7, Jordan 4, Belleza 3, Bragais 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Carpio 0, Dizon 0, Je. Montemayor 0, Ortega 0.
TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 84 – Garcia 25, Jumao-as 15, Cawaling 12, Ongteco 8, Julkipli 7, Argamino 5, Rivera 5, Ignacio 4, Rono 3, Onde 0, Santos 0, Tano 0.
Quarters: 30-19, 42-41, 72-62, 109-84.