by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas pulled off a stunner in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-League, romping Cignal-Ateneo, 112-98, at the Paco Arena on Thursday.
The Growling Tigers — at least for Rhenz Abando, Dave Ando, Soulemane Chabi-Yo, and Renzo Subido, got a payback of sorts over the Blue Eagles after losing in the UAAP 3×3 men’s final on Sunday as both Abando and Subido waxed hot from downtown.
Abando and Subido combined for 11 of UST’s 19 triples to lead the fightback from 15 points down, en route to a nearly full turnaround.
Rookie Mark Nonoy tallied 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Abando finished with 21 markers, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block for the Tigers, who are now 3-0 in the standings.
Chabi-Yo added 20 points, nine boards, and two dimes.
“Good thing naman makalaro ng maayos ang mga bata (It’s good that they played well),” coach Aldin Ayo said.
Gian Mamuyac put up 18 markers and two caroms for the Blue Eagles, who dearly missed the services of Ange Kouame and Coach Tab Baldwin.
Thirdy Ravena finally got to play in the D-League and made 10 points and five rebounds.
In the other games, Virtual Reality-St. Clare repulsed Che’lu, 82-77, and Go For Gold-CSB edged FamilyMart-Enderun, 78-69.
