MANILA – Builders Warehouse-University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers notched its second win in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup after bashing Diliman College Blue Dragons, 106-93, at the Paco Arena here.
UAAP Most Valuable Player Soulemane Chabi Yo tallied 24 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Dave Ando notched a double-double performance of 14 marks and 11 boards for the Growling Tigers.
Rhenz Abando, meanwhile, nailed three outside conversions to finish with 13 points and sophomore guard Deo Cuajao continued his strong offseason showing after registering 11 markers for UST.
Chabi Yo made his presence felt for the Growling Tigers early. He spearheaded a 16-5 start to take a 37-18 lead. The gap widened for UST in the second half, reaching the largest at 30 points several times.
“We told him that he had to exert effort because for the past games, di pa nakakalaro ng maayos si Chabi. We told him to play well, makakuha siya ng rhythm niya and he did,” said Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo.
Marinerong Pilipino Skippers also recorded its second victory in as many games following an 83-69 beating of the Mapua University Cardinals. Jamie Malonzo impressed in his debut for the Skippers by firing 23 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, four assists, and a block.
Juan Gomez de Liaño followed suit, scoring five of the Skippers’ last six points to wound up with 18 points on a 4-of-10 shooting from distance, alongside 11 rebounds and four assists, while Alfred Batino also did his share for the win with 14 points and seven boards./PN
