Akari-Adamson continued to roll in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, this time escaping a tough challenge from Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare, 92-85, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Falcons with 18 points on a 2-of-5 shooting from three, while also dishing out six assists and three rebounds to come away with their third straight win.
Papi Sarr nabbed 16 markers and eight boards, Sean Manganti had 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, and Jerie Pingoy got 11 markers, four boards, and four dimes.
It was another formative victory for Akari-Adamson as coach Franz Pumaren continues to learn more from his team in this foray in the developmental league.
“Right now, I’m still struggling to find the right combinations. I think we’re the only team who are using all of our players from the bench, but again, we’re here to develop our players,” he said as his team improved its record to 4-1.
Pumaren was also satisfied with how his Falcons denied the Coffee Lovers’ late rally led by Fil-Am guard Trevis Jackson, who fired 29 points in the losing effort.
“I don’t think we faced St. Clare. Our opponent was Jackson,” he quipped. “The way he played, he played like a veteran.”
Akari-Adamson benefitted on Gamboa-St. Clare’s 29 miscues, all of which led to 28 turnover points on its end.
Aris Dionisio chipped in 17 markers and 12 rebounds for the Coffee Lovers, which dropped to an even 2-2.
The Scores:
AKARI-ADAMSON 92 — Ahanmisi 18, Sarr 16, Manganti 13, Pingoy 11, Espeleta 10, Camacho 8, Mojica 5, Lastimosa 4, Bernardo 2, Hill 2, Macion 2, Catapusan 1, Buenaventura 0.
GAMBOA COFFEE MIX-ST. CLARE 85 — Jackson 29, Dionisio 17, Hallare 12, Bitoon 10, Rebugio 8, Acuno 4, Pare 3, Rubio 2, Ambuludto 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 42-43, 70-62, 92-85.