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Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare clawed its way back from a 12-point hole in the fourth quarter and shocked Perpetual, 78-73, Monday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym.
The Coffee Lovers fought back from a 61-49 deficit early in the payoff period after staging a 17-4 run to take a 66-65 lead before silencing the Altas in the clutch.
“We adjusted on defense. We played our matchups and adjusted on the pick-and-rolls and that’s the reason why we got so many steals,” said coach Jinino Manansala, as Gamboa-St. Clare had 13 steals off of Perpetual’s 28 turnovers.
Aris Dionisio poured in 21 points, 11 coming in the fourth quarter fightback, and had eight rebounds, six blocks, and four steals for the Coffee Lovers, who have now won three of their last four games and went up to 3-2.
Malian big man Mohammed Pare added a double-double of 16 markers and 10 boards, while guards Trevis Jackson and Chris Bitoon combined for 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six dimes.
Perpetual’s roller-coaster conference continued as it dropped to 2-3.
Rey Anthony Peralta carried the Altas with 17 points and four rebounds, while John Rey Villanueva had 13 markers and three boards in the loss.
The scores:
GAMBOA COFFEE MIX-ST. CLARE 78 — Dionisio 21, Pare 16, Jackson 11, Bitoon 10, Ambuludto 7, Rebugio 6, Hallare 5, Acuno 2, Alcober 0, Fontanilla 0, Rubio 0.
PERPETUAL 73 — Peralta 17, Villanueva 13, Charcos 12, Aurin 11, Eze 11, Coronel 6, Pido 3, Mangalino 0, Precillas 0, Tiburcio 0.
Quarters: 12-21, 31-41, 49-57, 78-73.