Second stringers Banal, Dionisio lead Flying V over Racal

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Two of Flying V's bench players stepped up when needed the most as the team held off Racal, 94-86, to stay unbeaten five games into its PBA D-League Foundation Cup campaign at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Monday night.

Gab Banal and Aris Dionisio led the Thunder's fourth quarter charge, combining for 20 of their 27 total points in the final frame as they used a 10-0 run midway through the period to hold off the Alibaba in a game where Jeron Teng was kept in check.

Banal finished with 17 points with six rebounds and two steals, while Dionisio added 13 markers and seven caroms.

“Our first group struggled today, but it's a good thing that our second group stepped up,” said Coach Eric Altamirano.

Thomas Torres led the Flying V starters with 17 points, while Teng, who only made 4-of-18 field goals, still finished in double digits with 11.

Rian Ayonayon exploded for 28 points, but his performance went down the drain as Racal lost for the third straight time after a 2-0 start.

Box Scores:

Flying V 94-Banal 17, Torres 17, Dionisio 13, Teng 11, Cañada 11, Thiele 10, Salamat 8, Tampus 4, Webb 3, Ongteco 0, Colina 0

Racal 86-Ayonayon 28, Capacio 10, Ortuoste 10, Tallo 10, Gomez 9, Pontejos 9, Grimaldo 6, Apreku 2, Faundo 2, Mangahas 0, Dela Cruz 0, Cortes 0, Lozada 0

Quarterscores: 25-28, 46-44, 67-64, 94-86

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