D-League: JRU debuts in style with 29-point drubbing of Mila’s Lechon

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Jose Rizal University unveiled its new look roster with a rousing 96-67 win over Mila’s Lechon in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Veterans Jeckster Apinan, Ervin Grospe, and Paolo Pontejos steadied the ship for the Heavy Bombers to give head coach Gio Lasquety his first win as a head coach.

“It feels good. It feels better that I was the one guiding them on the floor. I’m thankful that the players responded and we were able to execute our defense,” said the 24-year-old mentor, who is now the youngest head coach in D-League history.

Apinan unleashed 16 of his 20 points in the second half pullaway, to go with 14 rebounds, Grospe scattered 16 markers, and Pontejos got 14 points, six boards, and four assists to lead the charge for JRU.

The Heavy Bombers blanked the Mighty Roasters in the second quarter, limiting the latter to just seven points as they took the 39-29 lead and cruised to the 29-point decimation.

Leo Gabo paced Mila’s Lechon with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Andoy Estrella had 13.

The Scores:

JRU 96 — Apinan 20, Grospe 16, Pontejos 14, Esguerra 9, Dela Virgen 9, Tayongtong 8, Ramos 4, Mendoza 4, Bordon 4, Yu 3, Mvogo 3, Silvarez 2, Sawat 0, De Guzman 0.

MILA’S LECHON 67 — Gabo 14, Estrella 13, Acibar 9, Sarangay 7, Iñigo 5, Parala 5, Derige 4, Delfinado 4, Deles 2, Crisostomo 2, Herradura 2, Luz 0, Bellosillo 0, Montuano 0.

Quarters: 18-22, 39-29, 68-50, 96-67.