EA REGEN Medical Group recovered from a lackluster first half to beat Informatics, 88-82, on Monday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Regens trailed 33-39 at halftime over the winless Icons but entered the fourth with a 58-52 lead after a 25-13 third quarter.
EA Regen climbed to 5-3 won-lost in a tie with Boracay Rum for fourth place in the team standings as the end of the elimination round nears.
But EA Regen Medical Group coach Allan Trinidad was not entirely satisfied, noting the team’s poor play in the first half.
“Masama pa rin ang laro,” Trinidad said. “Sana hindi maging ganyan ang laro. Masyado silang overconfident. Noon first half, hindi dumedepensa. Kung hindi pa nag-trap, saka lang nag-run.”
Raymund Almazan had a monster game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 22 rebounds for the Regens. He scored 11 points in the pivotal third period.
Ian Sangalang had 27 points and eight rebounds, while Jimbo Aquino added 18 points. Joel Tolentino dished out 10 assists for EA Regen, which bounced back from a 67-71 loss to Blackwater Sports last week.
Informatics remained winless in nine outings.
Jeric Teng led four Informatics players in double figures with 23 points while Mark Benitez added 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The scores:
EA Regen (88) – Sangalang 27, Almazan 19, Aquino 18, Tolentino 6, Terso 6, Juico 5, Allen 5, Ko 1, Bautista 1, Sanga 0, Semira 0, Miranda 0, Maiquez 0.
Informatics (82) – Teng 23, Benitez 19, Mabayo 15, Acidre 14, Ibay 6, Altamirano 3, Ablaza 2, Morales 0, Montuano 0, Gamboa 0, Melegrito 0.
Quarterscores: 20-17; 33-39; 58-52; 88-82.
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