Gab Banal scored 11 of his 29 points in the third quarter as Flying V turned back Wangs Basketball, 107-96, and remained unbeaten after three games yesterday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The former GlobalPort forward scored the first four points in a 12-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters that enabled the Thunder to turn an 80-75 deficit into an 87-80 lead on their way to regaining sole possession of the lead.
Banal also grabbed 11 rebounds to complete a double-double, his best game since returning to the PBA’s developmental tournament this conference.
“Gab was consistent throughout the game. He was our spark and took it upon himself to shut down (Robbie) Herndon in the second half,” said Flying V coach Eric Altamirano, referring to the Wangs star who scored just four of his 24 points in the second half.
Jeron Teng had 20 points, six assists and four rebounds for the Thunder in their final game before taking a two-week break to allow Teng and Altamirano to concentrate on their roles with the Philippine team that will participate in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup next week in France. (Jonas Terrado)