PBA D-League: UP QRS/JAM turns back Wangs, keeps top 4 bid alive

PBA IMAGES

UP QRS/ JAM Liner kept itself in the running for a top four finish in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup after turning back Wangs Basketball, 80-69, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.

“Like everybody says, you take it one game at a time and control our own destiny. If we win our next game, hopefully, we’ll still be in the top four,” said team consultant Joe Ward, whose wards improved to 4-3.

Raul Soyud and Raymond Aguilar pounced on the Couriers’ interior defense as both nabbed a double-double in the win. Soyud got 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Aguilar had 16 markers and 18 rebounds on top of four assists.

Gelo Alolino also registered 13 points, four rebounds, and two dimes, while Kevin Ferrer and Juneric Baloria both scored 10 markers as UP QRS/ JAM Liner bounced back from a humiliating 118-86 defeat to Caida last Tuesday.

With only AMA left in the Maroons’ schedule, Ward is hoping that his squad will “play defense and take good shots.”

“We should be OK if we take care of those two things,” he said, as the two teams clash next Thursday.

Wangs further dropped with a 1-6 card as James Mangahas led with 17 points and six boards, while Gwyne Capacio had 14 markers and seven rebounds.

The Scores:

UP QRS/ JAM LINER 80 – Soyud 21, Aguilar 16, Alolino 13, Baloria 10, Ferrer 10, Lim 8, Sorela 2, Batino 0, Dario 0, Neypes 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 69 – Mangahas 17, Capacio 14, Bautista 10, Ilad 7, Ragasa 7, Jo. Montemayor 4, Publico 4, Acosta 2, Romero 2, Tayongtong 2, Cabahug 0, Tumalip 0.

Quarters: 16-16, 39-33, 62-52, 80-69.