Cedric de Joya. PBA IMAGES
Cedric de Joya emerged as the biggest man for Batangas as the diminutive guard scored on the game-winning drive at the buzzer to lift Batangas to a thrilling 81-79 victory over Wangs Basketball Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Batangueños lost hold of their 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, 65-52, and even allowed Robbie Herndon to knot the score at 79 with a booming three 4.6 seconds left for the Couriers.
The 5-foot-5 De Joya, though, raced the length of the court and drilled the off-the-glass floater with time winding down to preserve Batangas’ immaculate record.
“It’s already common sense. We didn’t have any timeouts left and he did what he had to do. Fortunately for us, his effort was rewarded,” said coach Eric Gonzales of his pint-sized playmaker.
De Joya finished with 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds for the Batangueños.
Joseph Sedurifa topped his crew with 25 markers, five boards, three dimes, and two blocks, while Jessie Saitanan had 10 points and three rebounds.
Wangs could not sustain its winning ways despite Herndon’s 27-point, 14-rebound performance,
Michole Sorela chipped in 13 markers and eight boards, while Tim Habelito got a double-double of 11 points and 17 rebounds.
The Scores:
BATANGAS 81 – Sedurifa 25, De Joya 14, Saitanan 10, Ablaza 9, Ragasa 9, Bautista 8, Mendoza 5, Dela Peña 1, Anderson 0, Laude 0, Isit 0, Napoles 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 79 – Herndon 27, Sorela 13, Habelito 11, Arambulo 6, Juico 5, Riley 4, Asuncion 3, De Chavez 3, King 3, Ambuludto 2, Montemayor 2, Importante 0.
Quarters: 14-23, 41-39, 63-52, 81-79.