By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — Cignal-Ateneo survived an explosion from Val Chauca and repulsed FamilyMart-Enderun, 82-68, in the PBA D-League at the Paco Arena in Manila on Monday.
Tyler Tio came up huge in the final quarter as the Blue Eagles pulled away from the upset-seeking Titans late in the match.
Chauca caught fire in the first quarter, even matching the entire Cignal-Ateneo’s score at one point, and took a 20-18 lead to the second.
But the Blue Eagles limited the Titans to just 13 second quarter points and entered halftime ahead, 39-33.
After both squads sized up each other in the third period, Cignal-Ateneo used a 22-10 explosion in the final frame led by Tio to blow the game wide open.
“Enderun got the jump in the beginning. But our defense kicked in after first quarter. Offensively, we don’t ask a lot right now, but Tyler did a good job,” Coach Tab Baldwin said.
Tio finished with 20 points, 14 coming in the pivotal fourth quarter, five assists, and two rebounds for the Blue Eagles, who are now 2-0 in the standings.
Ange Kouame had 20 markers of his own alongside eight rebounds, five blocks, and two assists, while Will Navarro got 15 boards, nine points, three steals, one block, and one steal.
Chauca ended up with 27 points on 5-of-11 three-point shooting, five rebounds, and three assists for the debuting Titans.
In the second game, Valencia-San Sebastian romped Cha Dao-FEU, 75-53.
The Golden Harvest waxed hot in the first quarter, opening a 26-10 lead, and never looked back.
RK Ilagan made 22 points, while Allyn Bulanadi added 16 for Valencia-San Sebastian, who like the Eagles are now 2-0 in the standings as well.
L-Jay Gonzales posted 14 markers for Cha Dao-FEU, which dropped to 1-1.
The Scores:
First Game
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.
Second Game
VALENCIA-SSCR 75 — Ilagan 22, Bulanadi 16, Calma 9, Villapando 7, Capobres 6, Bonleon 5, Sumoda 4, Dela Cruz 4, Calahat 2, Desoyo 0, Are 0, Altamirano 0, Quiambao 0.
CHADAO-FEU 53 — Gonzales 14, Tuffin 10, Ebona 7, Celzo 6, Comboy 5, Jopia 4, Stockton 2, Bienes 2, Bayquin 2, Cani 1, Nunag 0, Tchuente 0, Flores 0.
Quarters: 26-10, 43-23, 53-43, 75-53.
