PBA IMAGES
Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare was just too much for Batangas-EAC in a 104-81 victory for its first win in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Trevis Jackson led the charge as he poured in 12 of his 30 points in the third quarter. He also had four rebounds, while Malian big man Mohammed Pare got 18 markers and 11 boards for the 1-1 Coffee Lovers.
John Ambuludto added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Aris Dionisio was a rock down low with his nine markers and 17 boards as he proved to be the stabilizing force for his crew in the victory.
“We’re facing a lot of good school-based teams which entered, but I told the players to take it one game at a time and we’ll eventually get those wins,” said Gamboa-St. Clare coach Jinino Manansala.
The Coffee Lovers broke loose from a close affair in the first quarter as they unloaded 33 points in the second period to grab the 53-38 lead.
Jackson then, went to work in the third frame as he captained the breakaway which saw Gamboa-St. Clare take a 31-point lead, 99-68 late in the game.
Chris dela Peña paced the winless Batangas-EAC (0-2) with 14 points and three rebounds, while JP Maguliano had 13 markers and six boards.
The scores:
GAMBOA COFFEE MIX-ST. CLARE 104 — Jackson 30, Pare 18, Ambuludto 13, Dionisio 9, Hallare 9, Bitoon 8, Rubio 6, Rebugio 6, Penaredondo 3, Acuno 2, Alcober 0, Fontanilla 0, Jumaquio 0.
BATANGAS-EAC 81 — Dela Peña 14, Maguliano 13, De Joya 9, E. Mendoza 8, Laude 7, Diego 7, J. Mendoza 6, Bautista 5, Altamirano 4, Tampoc 4, Martin 0, Pate 0.
Quarters: 20-21, 53-38, 81-59, 104-81.