CIGNAL-Ateneo ripped Family Mart-Enderun, 82-68, in the 2019 PBA D-League Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Tyler Tio waxed hot from rainbow country, drilling four of his six triples in the payoff period for 14 of his 20 points. He also dished out five assists and grabbed two rebounds.
Ange Kouame also did a stellar job with 20 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and two assists as Cignal-Ateneo seized solo lead in the Aspirants Group at 2-0.
William Navarro was solid as well in the game with nine points, 15 boards and three assists, on top of a steal and a block.
"It's a tough game, good game," said coach Tab Baldwin.
"Enderun got the jump in the beginning. But our defense kicked in after first quarter. Offensively, we don't ask a lot right now, but Tyler did a good job, Ange pulled some boards, and Will Navarro did a good job for our guys. I'm happy that we got the win."
It wasn't until the fourth quarter that Cignal-Ateneo broke free from Family Mart-Enderun's grasps, with Tio's timely treys finally creating the breathing room his side needed as the UAAP champions took a lead as high as 19, 79-60.
Valandre Chauca turned heads in the Titans' PBA D-League debut, firing 27 points on a 5-of-11 shooting from downtown, while also collecting five rebounds and three assists.
Ex-pro Marvin Hayes showed his experience as he chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds for Family Mart-Enderun.
The scores:
Cignal-Ateneo 82 - Tio 20, Kouame 20, Navarro 9, Andrade 8, Go 7, Ma. Nieto 6, Mi. Nieto 4, Daves 4, Mamuyac 2, Credo 2, Berjay 0.
Family Mart-Enderun 68 - Chauca 27, Hayes 12, Nunez 9, Sacundo 6, Vidal 4, Presbitero 3, Mariano 3, Gotladera 2, Gatdula 2, Dela Cruz 0, Dungan 0, Oebanda 0.
Quarterscores: 18-20; 39-33; 57-50; 82-68.
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