Cignal-Ateneo survived Family Mart-Enderun’s assault to post an 82-68 win on Monday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Paco Arena in Manila.
Tyler Tio was instrumental in helping the Blue Eagles break away from the Titans with 20 points, 14 coming in the payoff period, as he went 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. He also issued five assists and grabbed two rebounds.
Ivorian center Ange Kouame was a force down low and scored 20 points to go with eight rebounds and five blocks, while William Navarro chipped in nine points.
“It’s a tough game, good game,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. “Enderun got the jump in the beginning. But our defense kicked in after the first quarter. Offensively, we don’t ask a lot right now, but Tyler did a good job, Ange pulled some boards, and Will Navarro did a good job for our guys. I’m happy that we got the win.”
Tio’s sudden explosion in the fourth quarter broke the game wide open as Cignal-Ateneo wiggled out of Family Mart-Enderun’s reach and erected a 19-point lead, 79-60.
Valandre Chauca paced the Titans with 27 points, including five triples. Marvin Hayes added 12 points. —PBA.PH
The scores:
CIGNAL-ATENEO 82—Tio 20, Kouame 20, Navarro 9, Andrade 8, Go 7, Ma. Nieto 6, Mi. Nieto 4, Daves 4, Mamuyac 2, Credo 2, Berjay 0.
FAMILY MART-ENDERUN 68—Chauca 27, Hayes 12, Nunez 9, Sacundo 6, Vidal 4, Presbitero 3, Mariano 3, Gotladera 2, Gatdula 2, Dela Cruz 0, Dungan 0, Oebanda 0.
Quarters: 18-20, 39-33, 57-50, 82-68