Black Mamba gets debut it wished for

Black Mamba climbed out of an 18-point hole in the fourth quarter on Monday and stunned Alberei, 86-82, in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Dahrell Caranguian unloaded nine of his 22 points in the payoff frame as he spearheaded the Energy Drink’s crippling 21-0 run that turned a 79-61 deficit with 8:24 remaining to an 82-79 lead with 2:32 to play.

“I told them we just have to play tough defense,” said coach Vis Valencia of the turnaround. “We were already down so we employed a full court press and it worked.”

Caranguian, the fearless guard out of De Ocampo Memorial College, also grabbed seven rebounds for the debuting Black Mamba.

Clark Derige added a double-double with his 14 points and 11 rebounds that went with three steals, while John Tayongtong had 10 points, six coming in the payoff period.

Bobby Balucanag also did his share with eight points and 13 rebounds and two blocks.

“I just want our first game to be a statement. We’re a rookie team so i just want us to have a good start,” Valencia added.

Alberei squandered a golden chance for its first win and dropped to 0-2 in Group B.