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Batangas-EAC held on and escaped a late rally by Jose Rizal University, 81-71, for a breakthrough win in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at Pasig Sports Center.
It was a balanced attack for the Generals, commandeered by Cedric Ablaza, who had 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
“We’ve been wanting to win and we’re very thankful that we’re able to execute our gameplan well. What more can I ask for,” said a jubilant coach Ariel Sison, whose team finally notched their first win in five games.
Jerome Garcia, Cedric De Joya, and Earvin Mendoza all had 11 markers apiece as they all teamed up to help Batangas-EAC build a 20-8 lead in the first quarter which swelled to 26, 66-39, late in the third frame.
The Heavy Bombers staged one last uprising in the payoff period and got to within six, 71-77, after Jed Mendoza split his foul shots with 24.5 seconds left.
Ablaza and De Joya, though, doused that rally, making the insurance buckets in the last 12.9 ticks.
“We hope this won’t be the last,” said Sison. “I hope we sustain this.”
Jeckster Apinan and Kris Porter both got 16 points in the defeat, which is now JRU’s fourth consecutive loss.
The scores:
BATANGAS-EAC 81 — Ablaza 16, De Joya 11, Garcia 11, E. Mendoza 11, Diego 8, Laude 8, Bautista 6, J. Mendoza 6, Dela Peña 4, Estacio 0, Neri 0.
JRU 71 — Apinan 16, Porter 16, Pontejos 11, De Guzman 10, Mendoza 10, Dela Virgen 5, Esguerra 2, Sawat 1, Ramos 0, Tobiano 0.
Quarters: 20-8, 41-30, 66-43, 81-71.