Games Monday
(The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m. – Phoenix-FEU vs BDO-NU
4 p.m. – Tanduay vs CaféFrance
The struggling Mindanao Aguilas showed steely resolve in the second half to hold off BDO-National University, 73-67, yesterday for its first win in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Dexter Garcia had 13 points and five rebounds while former pro Robby Celiz scored a fadeaway jumper with 23.6 seconds left to seal the Aguilas’ breakthrough victory after five attempts.
Mindanao’s win came after losing its first four games by an average of almost 25 points, including a 39-point setback to Tanduay in its third match.
“Napakahirap manalo sa level ng laro dito. Magagaling talaga ang kalaban,” said winning coach Rejhi Natividad. “They’re willing to die for the team.”
BDO-NU failed to capitalize on its morale-boosting win over AMA last week and dropped to 1-3.
The Bulldogs’ woes compounded when Matt Salem was ejected for two technical fouls in the third quarter and Alfred Aroga fouled out with four minutes left in the fourth.
J-Jay Alejandro scored 12 points and Mohammad Salim added 11 for BDO-NU.
AMA likewise notched its first win in the tournament after beating Wangs Basketball, 97-90.