PBA IMAGES
Rey Publico nailed the game-winning basket as Wangs Basketball-Letran pulled the rug from under Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian, 83-82, Monday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Publico recovered the looseball off of a Jeo Ambohot fumble then, hit the undergoal stab with 4.1 seconds left to win it for the Couriers, who remained undefeated at 2-0.
His basket capped a huge fightback by the Couriers, who climbed back from a 19-point hole, 73-54, with 9:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.
“Actually, that was the designed play We wanted Jeo to get the lob pass, but their defense was ready. The ball was fumbled and the ball got to Rey,” said coach Jeff Napa of the go-ahead bucket which put his side upfront.
Bong Quinto uncorked 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to spearhead the rally, while also grabbing 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Ambohot also plucked a double-double with 14 markers, 10 boards, two dimes, and two blocks, while JP Calvo shot 3-of-5 from downtown to collect 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Publico scored six of his 12 markers in the payoff period. He also grabbed six boards in the victory.
Wangs-Letran used a blistering 25-5 run to chip away the deficit and grab the 79-78 lead to set up the pulsating finish in the final two minutes.
Despite the win, Napa doesn’t want the Couriers to be blinded by their current standing.
“It doesn’t mean that we’re playing good. We’re just glad that some of the players kept on fighting. The heart of a Letranite was there. We never gave up,” he said.
Michael Calisaan topped the Revellers (1-1) with 21 points and six rebounds in the loss.
The Scores:
WANGS BASKETBALL-LETRAN 83 — Quinto 21, Ambohot 14, Calvo 13, Publico 12, Mandreza 7, Muyang 6, Fajarito 3, Batiller 3, Balanza 2, Trinidad 2, Balagasay 0, Taladua 0.
CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 82 – Calisaan 21, Bulanadi 15, Jeruta 13, De Leon 12, Batino 11, David 5, Ilagan 5, Calma 0, Costelo 0, Faundo 0, Santos 0, Valdez 0.
Quarters: 24-14, 41-41, 54-71, 83-82.