D-League: Batangas holds off Victoria Sports for 1st win

PBA IMAGES

Batangas hung on to an 88-85 victory over Victoria Sports-MLQU to chalk up its first win in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Joseph Sedurifa scattered 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists as the Batanguenos stopped their two-game losing skid.

Dan Sara fired 15 markers, five boards, and three assists, while Cedric Ablaza also got 15 points and seven rebounds.

“We’re happy. More than anything, we’re seeing the Batanguenos grow,” said coach Eric Gonzales. “We still have a lot to improve on, but I’m very happy they didn’t back down from the challenge.”

Batangas lost a 10-point lead, 73-63, and even trailed Victoria Sports, 85-84, after Robbie Herndon drained a three with 2:36 to play.

Sedurifa immediately reclaimed the lead for Batangas with a jumper followed up by an undergoal stab from Ablaza scored with 46.2 seconds remaining.

Victoria Sports still had a chance to tie the game, but Zach Nicholls’ trey at the buzzer only hit the front rim as his squad fell to its second defeat.

Herndon topped Victoria Sports with 27 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

The Scores:

BATANGAS 88 – Sedurifa 17, Ablaza 15, Sara 15, Dela Pena 14, Fortu 9, Anderson 4, De Joya 4, Laude 4, Isit 2, Mendoza 2, Revadavia 2, Delfinado 0, Lascano 0, Magbuhos 0.

VICTORIA SPORTS 85 – Herndon 27, Ayonayon 10, Dionisio 10, Grimaldo 9, Koga 9, Ragasa 7, Mag-isa 6, Bitoon 4, Nicholls 3.

Quarters: 20-26, 42-45, 65-63, 88-85.