Banal keeps Flying V unbeaten in D-League
Gab Banal. PBA IMAGES
Gab Banal picked up the slack as Flying V scored a 107-96 victory over Wangs Basketball for its third straight win in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The 6-foot-3 forward did the dirty work to keep the Thunder immaculate through three games, as he racked up 29 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
“Gab was consistent all throughout the game. He was our spark and he took it upon himself to shut down (Robbie) Herndon in the second half. But all-in-all, it was a collective effort from our players,” said coach Eric Altamirano.
A foul-riddled Jeron Teng struggled on the floor, shooting 7-of-20 from the field, but was still able to finish with 20 markers, six assists, and four boards.
Aris Dionisio chimed in 14 points and 10 rebounds, Thomas Torres got 12 markers, four boards, and three assists, and Hans Thiele had 10 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks for the Thunder.
Flying V was able to recover from its sloppy showing in the first half as Banal ignited a killer 11-0 run to finish the third quarter with an 86-80 lead, before controlling the tempo in the payoff period to keep its grip on the top spot.
Herndon fired 20 of his 24 points in the first half, but failed to sustain his hot streak down the stretch for the Couriers.
Chris De Chavez also added 13 markers, while John Tayongtong poured 12 points and five boards for Wangs (1-2).
The Scores:
FLYING V 107 – Banal 29, Teng 20, Dionisio 14, Torres 12, Thiele 10, Salamat 8, Tampus 8, Cañada 4, Webb 2, Gamboa 0, Colina 0, Mendoza 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 96 – Herndon 24, De Chavez 13, Tayongtong 12, Juico 11, Bitoon 9, Arambulo 7, Montemayor 6, Habelito 6, King 3, Asuncion 3, Ambuludto 2, Sorela 0, Riley 0.
Quarters: 31-31, 55-59, 86-80, 107-96.
