Chooks-to-Go lords over Mono Vampire in second half to take fifth in FIBA Asia CC

FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

BALER--Chooks-to-Go banked on a solid second half to turn back Mono Vampire, 89-79, in the battle for fifth place in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup at the Chenzhou Sports Center in Chenzhou, China on Saturday.

Trailing for most of the first half, the Filipino side stifled the Thai squad in the third quarter, limiting its opponent to only 12 points to take a 66-57 lead entering the fourth. The lead would be stretched to 11 early in the payoff period.

Mono would still fight back, going on an 11-2 run to cut the lead down to two, 72-70, with 5:57 to go and would stay at striking distance from Chooks for the latter part of the fourth.

But Chooks ended the game with six unanswered points to seal the win.

Isaiah Austin dominated the field with an all-around performance of 37 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and six blocks for Chooks-to-Go.

Kiefer Ravena added 18 points, three caroms, two dimes, and one steal.

Former PBA  import Mike Singletary made 30 markers, 12 boards, and four assists for Mono Vampire, which settled for sixth place.

Box Scores:

Chooks-to-Go 89-Austin 37, Ravena 18, Manuel 13, Jose 8, Cruz 7, Jeric Teng 4, Revilla 2, Tamsi 0, Torres 0

Mono Vampire 79-Singletary 30, Brickman 14, Chanthachon 14, Klahan 9, Apiromvilaichai 5, Sekteera 3, Samerjai 2, Phuangla 2, Kruatiwa 0, Sunthonsiri 0, Boonserm 0

Quarterscores: 22-28, 42-45, 66-57, 89-79

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