PBA D-League: UP QRS/JAM Liner trumps AMA, clinches twice-to-beat

UP QSR/JAM Liner vs AMA Online Education. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Raul Soyud anchored UP QRS/JAM Liner to a 100-84 win over AMA University to clinch the fourth seed in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.

The Maroons center carried the load in the second half as they fought back from a 27-19 deficit in the second period. Soyud poured 12 of his 25 points in the third frame, and also hauled 19 rebounds.

“Magandang achievement ito, lalo na sa management, kasi first time namin mag-compete sa big league at nakapasok kami agad sa top four,” said coach Bert dela Rosa.

Raymond Aguilar also contributed a double-double with 18 markers and 10 boards, while Kevin Ferrer and Dave Moralde both scored 14 points each.

UP QRS/JAM Liner wrapped up their eliminations schedule with a 5-3 slate, identical with Tanduay. However, the Maroons claimed the final twice-to-beat berth thanks to their 102-86 victory over the Rhum Masters last January 26.

Despite the loss, AMA will still advance to the quarterfinals as the seventh seed with a 2-6 card.

Jammer Jamito paced the Titans with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Rashawn McCarthy became only the third player in D-League history to record a triple-double with his 17 markers, 12 boards, and 10 assists.

The Scores:

UP QRS/JAM LINER 100 – Soyud 25, Aguilar 18, Ferrer 14, Moralde 14, Alolino 7, Batino 6, Dario 4, Desiderio 4, Neypes 4, Baloria 2, Lim 2, Harris 0, Sorela 0.
AMA UNIVERSITY 84 – Jamito 24, McCarthy 17, King 15, Amboludto 11, De Leon 6, Tampus 6, Arambulo 4, Jordan 1, Angeles 0, Asuncion 0, Gutierrez 0, Magpantay 0, Tobias 0.

Quarters: 19-25, 44-45, 69-63, 100-84.