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Ex-Bombers explode for JRU as Lasquety makes coaching debut with rout of Mila's

Ervin Grospe looks to drive past Hesed Gabo. PBA Media Bureau
By Dugout Philippines

PASIG--Veterans showed the way for Jose Rizal University and Gio Lasquety nabbed his first win as a head coach as the Heavy Bombers smothered Mila's Lechon, 96-67 on Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

Jeckster Apinan, Ervin Grospe, and Paolo Pontejos showed the newbies how it's done, taking much of the load for the debuting Heavy Bombers.

JRU went to Pontejos, who scored 12 of his game-high 14 points in the first half and helped the Heavy Bombers turn an 18-22 deficit into a comfortable 39-29 lead at the half. He also had six rebounds and four assists.

Then Apinan took over to provide the finishing touches for the Heavy Bombers, who had 11 of 13 players scoring two or more points.

Apinan finished with 20 markers to go with his 14 rebounds while Grospe contributed 16 in the 29-point demolition job.

Lasquety said he was overwhelmed by their early success.

"Syempre sobrang sarap. Mas masarap pa noong naglalaro ako kasi naga-guide ko sa loob," said the 24-year-old, who became the youngest head coach in D-League history.

"Thankful ako na nag-respond ang players at naka-execute kami. Naka-depensa kami and credit to my players dahil sinunod nila yung gameplan namin."

Leo Gabo carried the Mighty Roasters with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Andoy Estrella got 13 markers in the loss.

The Scores:

JRU 96 -- Apinan 20, Grospe 16, Pontejos 14, Esguerra 9, Dela Virgen 9, Tayongtong 8, Ramos 4, Mendoza 4, Bordon 4, Yu 3, Mvogo 3, Silvarez 2, Sawat 0, De Guzman 0

MILA'S LECHON 67 -- Gabo 14, Estrella 13, Acibar 9, Sarangay 7, Iñigo 5, Parala 5, Derige 4, Delfinado 4, Deles 2, Crisostomo 2, Herradura 2, Luz 0, Bellosillo 0, Montuano 0

Quarterscores: 18-22, 39-29, 68-50, 96-67

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