Michael Canete of AMA fails to bulldoze his way past Mike Nzeusseu of Zark’s-Lyceum.—AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Showing no signs of slowing down, Zark’s Burger-Lyceum waylaid AMA Online Education, 109-85, Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu led the balanced attack for the Jawbreakers as he collected 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, plus one rim-rattling dunk over Andre Paras with 2:44 remaining to make it 102-80.
CJ Perez added 15 markers, 14 boards, and five dimes.
Gaining back-to-back wins after losing their conference-opener, Jawbreakers coach Topex Robinson praised his wards for sustaining their frenetic pace.
“Again, we want to keep on sustaining the energy. We want to change the way the D-League will be played,” he said. “They have to keep up with us rather than us keeping up with the rest of D-League.”
The win also allowed Robinson to go 2-1 for the conference as he easily eclipsed Zark’s paltry 1-9 showing in the 2017 Foundation Cup.
Jose Rizal University, meanwhile, unveiled its new look roster with a rousing 96-67 win over Mila’s Lechon in the other game.
Veterans Jeckster Apinan, Ervin Grospe, and Paolo Pontejos steadied the ship for the Heavy Bombers as they all helped give 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 the youngest mentor in D-League history.
Apinan unleashed 16 of his 20 points in the second half pull-away, to go with 14 rebounds. Grospe scattered 16 markers while Pontejos got 14 points, six boards, and four assists to lead the charge for JRU.