FILE PHOTO – PBA IMAGES
James Mangahas and Robby Celiz waxed hot and carried Zark’s Burger to its first win in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup with a 109-91 victory over AMA Online Education Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Mangahas scattered 26 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists, while Celiz added 25 markers, seven boards, and four dimes to snap the Jawbreakers’ three-game losing skid and improve to 1-3.
Clark Bautista also strung eight straight points in the payoff period to quash the Titans’ late run. He wound up with 18 points on 3-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, on top of six rebounds, and three assists.
“I told them that we’re down 0-3 so this is a must-win. This is our best chance to win because of the makeup of both teams,” said coach Jade Padrigao, who also notched his first coaching win in the PBA D-League.
“I’m glad because the jinx is already gone. This is a relief for me and I hope that this continues for us.”
Mangahas anchored a huge 32-point second quarter to give Zark’s a 55-45 halftime lead before Celiz joined the party and kept AMA at bay in the third frame.
Ivan Villanueva helped the Titans pull within seven, 90-83, with 3:50 left, before Bautista got the hot hand and sealed the breakthrough victory for the Jawbreakers late.
AMA wasted Villanueva’s 29-point, 15-rebound performance and suffered its third straight defeat.
Mario Bonleon added 20 markers on 9-of-26 shooting, to go with 13 boards, while Paolo Pontejos chipped in 15. Andre Paras grabbed 22 rebounds in a losing effort for AMA.
The scores:
ZARK’S BURGER 109 – Mangahas 26, Celiz 25, Bautista 18, De Leon 11, Cayabyab 10, Sheriff 7, Nalos 6, Cudal 3, Ferrer 3, Cariaga 0, Argamino 0, Juruena 0.
AMA ONLINE EDUCATION 91 – Villanueva 29, Bonleon 20, Pontejos 15, Paras 7, Macaranas 5, Subido 2, Jordan 2, Alas 1, Calma 0, Celso 0, Malones 0.
Quarters: 23-24, 55-45, 73-66, 109-91.