Ablaza carries Batangas to solo second place

Cedrick Ablaza. PBA IMAGES

Cedrick Ablaza woke Batangas up from its first half slumber as it squashed Zark’s Burgers, 124-84, Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The 26-year-old big man towed the Batangueños in the game-tilting 39-point third quarter eruption as he fired 14 of his 16 points in the frame, while also hauling down seven rebounds.

Dominating in the paint, Ablaza carried the load as Batangas fought back from what was once a 15-point deficit, 41-26, and take the commanding 81-67 advantage after the third canto.

Joseph Sedurifa also added 16 markers, 15 boards, and seven assists to provide stability for the Batangueños, as the rest of the squad picked up the slack late.

Earvin Mendoza chipped in 16 points and four rebounds, Wilmar Anderson got 14 markers and eight boards, Cedric de Joya scattered 13 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, and Lucky Mangabang got 13 in the victory, which put Batangas at solo second place with its 4-1 card.

“I challenged them and told them that we have to play the right way. It’s not right that we give up 52 in the first half, so we really challenged them to do the right plays,” said coach Eric Gonzales.

Zark’s Burgers could not sustain its first half assault as it dropped to a 1-5 record.

Robby Celiz topped the Jawbreakers with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while RR de Leon had 14 markers and six boards in the loss.

The scores:

BATANGAS 124 – Ablaza 16, Mendoza 16, Sedurifa 16, Anderson 14, De Joya 13, Mangabang 13, Laude 8, Ragasa 8, Bautista 7, Saitanan 5, Dela Pena 4, Mag-isa 2, Napoles 2.

ZARK’S BURGERS 84 – Celiz 21, De Leon 14, Mangahas 12, Bautista 8, Ferrer 8, Sheriff 6, Cayabyab 4, Nalos 4, Argamino 3, Cariaga 3, Cudal 1, Juruena 0.

Quarters: 19-27, 42-52, 81-67, 124-84.