ASIA'S Lashes edged iWalk, 72-70, to formally enter the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup quarterfinals on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
James Castro drilled the go-ahead lay-up with 46 seconds left as the Soldiers scored their fourth win in six games. Castro finished with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block as Asia's Lashes secured the No. 3 spot in Group A.
Jeson Delfinado also had 13 points and was the only other double-figure scorer for the Soldiers.
Coach Alvin Grey, though, was far from impressed despite the victory.
"Sabi ko sa kanila bawal matalo dahil pag natalo kami, meron kaming chance na matanggal. Ngayon na nanalo okay na, kaso masyado silang nagre-relax," he rued.
Asia's Lashes lost a 65-58 lead as iWalk ralied and snatched a 70-69 edge with 1:32 to go in the fourth before Castro's heroics late.
Axel Iñigo had 18 points and three assists to lead iWalk. The former FEU Tamaraw had a chance to send the game into overtime but his one-handed shot missed as time expired.
Bernie Bregondo added 13 points and seven rebounds while JP Belencion added 12 markers and five boards for the Chargers, out of quarterfinal contention at 2-4.
The scores:
Asia’s Lashers 72 - Castro 13, Delfinado 13, Laude 9, Martinez 6, Camacho 6, Dela Cruz 5, Celada 5, Alban 4, Apreku 4, Sarao 3, Reyes 2, Deles 2, Juico 0.
iWalk 70 - Ax. Iñigo 18, Bregondo 13, Belencion 12, Escosio 9, Cañada 6, Ac. Iñigo 4, Parker 4, Cruz 2, Stevens 2, Koga 0, Lozada 0.
Quarterscores: 11-8; 23-26; 48-49; 72-70.
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