MANILA – Aaron Black recorded another triple-double as AMA Online Education Titans defeated iWalk Chargers, 110-92, in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Black registered 26 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists on Thursday, becoming only the third player in the league’s history to rack up multiple triple-doubles after Mike Tolomia (twice) and Jeron Teng (thrice).
“Binibigyan ko na talaga siya ng kumpyansa eh, kasi kilala ko na siya simula bata pa lang dahil naging player ko na siya noong 13-under pa lang,” said Titans head coach Mark Herrera.
The Titans built a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter, 81-67, but the veteran-laden Chargers fought back and knocked within just four, 83-87, after a Wowie Escosio inside basket.
The Titans did respond immediately, scoring eight straight points capped by Dennis Santos’ three-pointer to make it a 95-83 advantage with 4:54 left to play and to cruise to the 19-point win.
Ryusei Koga led the Chargers with 18 points. Bernie Bregondo provided 15 points and 20 rebounds while Escosio chimed in 14 markers and eight boards off the bench.
BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare Saints continued to impress as they clobbered Hyperwash, 129-72. Malian slotman Mohammed Pare had 25 points, six rebounds, and three assists to set the pace for the Saints.
Centro Escolar University Scorpions began its campaign with a rousing 107-77 beatdown of Asia’s Lashes.
Senegalese big man Malick Diouf led the Scorpions with 31 points and 25 rebounds, to go with seven assists, five blocks, and four steals./PN
