PBA D-League: Letran banks on big men to thump AMA

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MANILA, Philippines—Petron-Letran leaned on its bevy of big men to ease past AMA Online Education, 108-91, in the 2019 PBA D-League Tuesday at Paco Arena in Manila.

The Knights drew significant contributions from their frontcourt players in Larry Muyang, Christian Fajarito and Jeo Ambohot to post their first win.

Muyang scored 21 points, 15 coming in the fourth quarter, and grabbed seven rebounds while Fajarito added 15 points and seven rebounds. Ambohot registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

“Very talented big men from coach Jeff Napa,” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan, referring to the Knights’ previous mentor who put the pieces together for Letran.

“We’re happy we won but win or lose, playing here in the PBA D-League makes us feel like we always win because we’re gaining experience,” Tan said. “I’m happy that they did not back down from the challenge.”

Jerrick Balanza also had a fine offensive game for Letran with 18 points while Alvin Pasaol collected eight points, six rebounds and six assists.

The Knights took an 18-point lead but needed to fend off a furious fightback by the Titans spearheaded by Joshua Munzon.

Munzon displayed his offensive prowess anew, finishing with 38 points that went with four rebounds, five assists and five steals in a losing effort as AMA dropped to 1-2.

The 6-foot-4 Munzon erupted for 46 points in the Titans’ loss to University of Santo Tomas a week ago.