Victoria stuns JRU for 1st D-League win

After five tries, Victoria Sports-MLQU finally scored a breakthrough first win, stunning Jose Rizal University, 76-66, in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Robbie Herndon nailed back-to-back fadeaway jumpers in the final minute to secure the victory for his side. He fired eight of his 22 points in the payoff period to finish with 22 points and four rebounds.

Aris Dionisio also had a double-double of 20 markers and  13 boards that went along with four blocks, while Chris Bitoon got 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds.

“I just told my guys to work hard every game because every game, we’re getting better. We shouldn’t mind our losses. The important thing is our improvement,” said coach Jino Manansala, as Victoria Sports improved to a 1-4 slate.

Herndon’s hot shooting allowed Victoria to take control early and grab a 12-point lead, 50-38, in the third quarter.

Jhaps Bautista kept the Heavy Bombers in the game and anchored an 11-0 blast to take a 60-58 lead, but Dionisio racked up six straight points for Victoria to reclaim the lead, 68-62, with 3:17 to play.

Bautista carried JRU (2-3) with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Tey Teodoro got 16 as the Heavy Bombers fell for the third straight game.

The Scores:

VICTORIA SPORTS 76 – Herndon 22, Dionisio 20, Bitoon 12, Lao 5, Sorela 5, Koga 4, Grimaldo 3, Mag-isa 3, Nicholls 2, Butron 0, Ragasa 0.

JRU 66 – Bautista 20, Teodoro 16, Pontejos 10, Poutouochi 8, Dela Virgen 6, Ambulodto 2, Grospe 2, Lasquety 2, Escosio 0, Estrella 0, Sawat 0.

Quarters: 17-17, 40-36, 58-49, 76-66.