By CHRISTIAN JACINTO
Manila, Philippines – Bobby Ray Parks surprised everybody when he showed up yesterday.
But the biggest surprise was when National University-Banco de Oro finally showed its fangs and nailed its first win in seven games.
With Parks delivering his usual numbers and getting able support from Troy Rosario, the NU-BDO Bulldogs barged into the win-column by downing Arellano University-Air21, 97-68, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Arellano University gym.
Parks, who was reported to be foregoing his remaining games, sizzled with 20 points, including 11 in the third to set the tone for a breezy first win.
Rosario, on the other hand, hinted of good things to come when he scattered 10 points right in the first quarter.
“It lifts the pressure off them, yung kailangan mo manalo. We were trying a new system at maganda naman yung shooting namin ngayon,” said NU-BDO assistant Joey Guanio, who took over the chores from coach Eric Altamirano who is in the United States for a scouting trip.
Parks also had eight rebounds and six assists while Rosario finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in his best game of the conference.
Rosario helped carry NU to a 23-12 lead at the end of the first quarter before Parks waxed hot in the third to put the struggling Chiefs away.
Parks, a two-time former UAAP Most Valuable Player, wasn’t only scoring but he did almost everything in the pivotal quarter as they outscored their rivals, 29-10, to turn a 47-35 halftime lead into a commanding 76-45 advantage.
Scores
NU-BDO 97 – Parks 20, Rosario 18, Villamor 9, Labing-Isa 8, Celda 7, Khobuntin 7, Rono 6, Neypes 6, Perez 6, De Guzman 5, Javelona 3, Alolino 2.
ARELLANO-AIR 21 68 – Hernandez 12, Ciriacruz 11, Bangga 10, Yaya 7, Nuilan 7, Tayongtong 6, Bartolo 4, Palma 4, Jalalon 4, Fran 3, Arquero 0, Acidre 0.
Quarters: 23-12; 47-35; 76-45; 97-68.