Tigers in ferocious D-League debut

UST’S Mark Nonoy eludes an EAC double-team for a layup. —PBA IMAGES

University of Santo Tomas destroyed Batangas-EAC, 94-70, to kickstart its 2019 PBA D-League campaign on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.

Coach Aldin Ayo proudly paraded his new recruits with Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo uncorking 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Growling Tigers’ charge.

He also had two blocks.

Pangasinense forward Rhanz Abando also had a rousing debut with his 17 points, missing a double-double by just one rebound.

The Growling Tigers also unveiled 18-year-old guard Mark Nonoy, who lived up to the hype to pour 15 points. He also had five rebounds while becoming the youngest player in PBA D-League history.

“We’re happy because we were able to come up with a good game and our rookies were quick to make adjustments,” said Ayo in Filipino.

“This is effectively our first big league exposure,” Ayo added. “I am happy because my players played relaxed.”

Abando led the blazing 10-0 start for the Growling Tigers that set the tone of the rout.

The España-based squad led by as many as 75-42 to highlight its dominating show.

Senior playmaker Renzo Subido contributed 11 points, five assists and four rebounds for UST to gain an early headstart in the Aspirants Group.

Earvin Mendoza led Batangas-EAC with 14 points.

The scores:

UST 94—Chabi Yo 19, Abando 17, Nonoy 15, Subido 11, Paraiso 8, Lee 7, Mahinay 6, Pangilinan 5, Ando 4, Caunan 2.

BATANGAS-EAC 70—E. Mendoza 14, Martin 10, Maguliano 8, Gonzales 8, De Joya 7, Dela Pena 4, Boffa 4, J. Mendoza 3, Tampoc 2, Fuentes 2, Corilla 2, Cadua 2, Taywan 2, Estacio 2.

Quarters: 24-11, 45-27, 75-46, 94-70.