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| Paolo Pontejos won it for his alma mater team. PBA Media Bureau |
By Dugout Philippines
PASIG--Paolo Pontejos was the hero Jose Rizal University needed as he scored the go-ahead layup with 7.2 seconds remaining to secure the victory for the Heavy Bombers, 104-103, over Go for Gold-CSB in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena.
The veteran guard provided the quick retort for the Heavy Bombers after returning TY Tang pushed the Scratchers up with a pair of freebies with 16.6 ticks left.
Pontejos' heroics saved MJ Dela Virgen's big game that saw him went 6-of-9 from 3-point range and finished with a game-high 28 points. He also had five assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
"Hindi na ako nagulat sa nilalaro niya," said coach Gio Lasquety.
Pontejos also finished with 20 markers to go with his five dimes and three boards, while Jeckster Apinan wound up with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Heavy Bombers, who squandered a 99-90 lead in the last 3:41.
Nung nakalamang kami ng malaki, medyo nag-relax yung mga players kaya nakabalik sila. Buti nandoon pa rin ang composure ng veterans," said rookie Lasquety, who picked up his second straight win in as many games.
It was a tough defeat for Go for Gold, which drew a huge outing from Justin Gutang, who shot 10-of-11 from the field to notch 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists off the bench.
Tang, also serving as one of the Scratchers' assistant coaches, finished with two points, three assists, and a rebound in his 13 minutes of play.
The Scores:
JRU 104 -- Dela Virgen 28, Pontejos 20, Apinan 16, Esguerra 11, Mendoza 11, Tayongtong 11, Grospe 3, Yu 3, Mvogo 1, De Guzman 0
GO FOR GOLD 103 -- Gutang 26, Salem 25, Dixon 11, Naboa 11, Leutcheu 8, Gaco 7, Alejandro 6, Young 5, Domingo 2, Tang 2, San Juan 0
Quarters: 27-25, 49-53, 79-79, 104-103
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