Ironcon-University of Santo Tomas (UST) had their winning streak ended by Petron-Letran last Thursday, April 11 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig for another 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) game.
The score ended at 114-101 with Jerrick Balanza impressing at 34 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Alvin Pasaol delivered once again as well at 27 points and eight rebounds. Jeremiah Taladua chipped 13 points and four rebounds off the bench, while King Caralipio added 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Renato Ular also impressed with a double-double at 11 points and 11 rebounds. As for UST, it was forward Soulemane Chabi Yo who had 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Teammate Brent Paraiso was the second highest pointer at 17 points, while Marvin Lee delivered a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Unfortunately, because they were not able to get ahead of Petron-Letran during the 98-all deadlock in the last 3:12 seconds of the game, UST is now with a 4-1 win-loss standing in the Aspirants Group. The Knights, however, were able to improve their bid with a 4-2 standing.
In response to their win, Letran head coach Bonnie Tan shared in Filipino, “We said before the game, we joined this league to beat these kinds of teams, especially those without people,” adding, “At least this game, the boys were able to show that they can bounce back,” referring to their 83-64 loss against Cignal-Ateneo last Thursday, April 4.
Petron-Letran will continue to try to improve their bid in the league on Tuesday, April 23 at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao against St. Clare College Virtual Reality. Ironcon-UST, on the other hand, will try to bounce back at the same venue against McDavid on Monday, April 29.