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Nanhai shuts down Singapore in ABL opener


By Ivan Saldajeno

LOS BAÑOS--One of the four ABL expansion clubs made its presence felt right on opening night.

Nanhai debuted in the said basketball league with a bang, blasting last season's runner-up Singapore, 83-59, in the very first day of the 2018 season at the Nanhai Gymnasium in the said Chinese city on Friday night.

The Kung Fu mauled the rebuilding Slingers from the get-go, limiting them to only eight points in the first quarter and completing the blowout with a 29-point fourth quarter explosion.

Anthony Tucker introduced himself to the ABL community with a 31-point bomb along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Nanhai, which will face fellow rookie side Formosa next Friday back at home.

Justin Howard put up good numbers against his former squad, scoring 15 markers, 14 rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Ryan Wright led Singapore with 26 points, 11 boards, and one steal.

Former PBA player AJ Mandani put up three markers, two caroms, four dimes, and one interception in his ABL debut.

Box Scores:

Nanhai 83-Tucker 31, Howard 15, Tiongson 11, Guo 6, He 6, Liu 5, Wang 4, Shi 3, Tian 2, Bermillo 0, Zhang 0, Luo 0

Singapore 59-Wright 26, Alexander 14, Low 8, Ng 4, Goh 4, Mandani 3, Oh 0, J. Lim 0, H. Lim 0

Quarterscores: 17-8. 35-24, 54-43, 83-59

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno