Banal fuels Flying V’s perfect run

Gab Banal. PBA IMAGES

Gab Banal’s impressive performance powered Flying V Thunder to a 107-96 rout of Wangs Basketball as the Thunder stayed on top of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.

The 26-year-old bruiser led the Thunder with 29 points, 11 rebounds and four assists to keep their record unblemished at 3-0.

Flying V coach Eric Altamirano commended Banal’s consistency in the game.

“He was our spark and he took it upon himself to shut down (Robbie) Herndon in the second half,” he said. “But all in all, it was a collective effort from our players.”

Banal was pivotal in the game as he started an 11-0 run in the third quarter that helped the Thunder pull away from the Couriers, 86-80, after a slow first half where Herndon put up 20 of his 24 points to lead the scoring for Wangs.

Bucking early foul troubles, former La Salle standout Jeron Teng contributed 20 points, six assists and four boards.

In the second game, Cignal HD beat AMA Online Education, 86-76, with Davon Potts dropping 17 points and three rebounds in his best game yet for the Hawkeyes.

Pamboy Raymundo added 16 points and two assists, while Raymar Jose had a near double-double with 12 points and nine boards to help the Hawkeyes climb to 3-2.

Potts dropped eight points in the period to put his squad up early, 22-16. —CARLO ANOLIN, KRISTOFER PURNELL