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Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian recovered from a poor start and pulled off an 83-79 come-from-behind win over AMA Online Education Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
RK Ilagan shot 6-of-11 from threes as he provided the lift for the Revellers with 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Samboy de Leon flexed his veteran know-how in the fourth quarter where he uncorked seven of his 21 markers that went with six boards and two dimes.
Coach Stevenson Tiu, however, saidChe’Lu-San Sebastian’s performance left a lot to be desired after the team fell behind 7-21.
“We’re supposed to lose with the way we played the game,” he lamented. “Every game, we start slow. Whatever adjustment we do, that’s always the case.”
Luckily for Tiu, Michael Calisaan, who also chipped in a double-double with his 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Alfred Batino, who got 11 markers and 11 boards, were solid down low to aid De Leon in the clutch and survive the Titans’ barrage.
“We just decided to go to the veterans and thankfully, they responded,” he said of Revellers, who rose to 2-1.
Che’Lu-San Sebastian spoiled the rousing debut of new AMA playmaker Robbie Manalang, who poured 28 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the loss.
Genmar Bragais also had 16 markers and 13 boards, while Carlo Escalambre got 13 points and five rebounds.
The loss, which was the Titans’ third straight, also hurt more with Andre Paras spraining his right ankle with 5:56 left in the game.
The Scores:
CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 83 — Ilagan 22, De Leon 21, Calisaan 12, Batino 11, Bulanadi 8, Faundo 6, Jeruta 2, David 1, Costelo 0, Santos 0.
AMA ONLINE EDUCATION 79 — R. Manalang 28, Bragais 16, Escalambre 13, Matillano 10, Porter 7, Paras 5, Antonares 0, Carpio 0, Garcia 0, Jordan 0, P. Manalang 0, Salonga 0.
Quarters: 18-21, 35-39, 56-58, 83-79.