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Jerrick Balanza drained the game-winning layup with 5.0 seconds and Wangs Basketball-Letran held off Batangas-EAC, 94-92, Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The incoming fourth-year forward secured the steal off an errant pass from Cedric de Joya and went coast-to-coast to give the Couriers the two-point edge.
Jerome Garcia still had a chance to steal the game for the Generals, but his three-pointer missed the mark at the buzzer.
Balanza paced Wangs-Letran with 26 points, three steals, two rebounds, and two assists, while Christian Fajarito aided him with a double-double of 23 markers and 11 boards off the bench.
Bonbon Batiller contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while JP Calvo got 13 markers, five boards, and four dimes in the victory.
Couriers coach Jeff Napa said that he remains satisfied with his team’s performance in the developmental league despite missing the playoffs with their 6-5 record.
“Although I’m disappointed because we didn’t make it, it was a good experience on our part which we’ll use as we prepare for the NCAA. We really learned a lot,” he said.
Cedrick Ablaza carried Batangas-EAC with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Cedric de Joya chipped in 18 in the defeat.
The Generals exited the tournament with their 2-9 card.
The Scores:
WANGS BASKETBALL-LETRAN 94 — Balanza 26, Fajarito 23, Batiller 18, Calvo 13, Publico 8, Mandreza 2, Ambohot 1, Muyang 1, Taladua 1, Yu 1, Balagasay 0.
BATANGAS-EAC 92 — Ablaza 25, De Joya 18, J. Mendoza 12, Tampoc 11, Garcia 10, E. Mendoza 8, Dela Peña 3, Bugarin 2, Martin 2, Maguliano 1, Altamirano 0, Corilla 0, Neri 0.
Quarters: 12-19, 40-38, 75-69, 94-92,