MANILA, Philippines – Juami Tiongson erupted for 32 points as AMA Online Education rolled to its second straight win with a 94-85 victory over Cignal-San Beda yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Tiongson waxed hot in the fourth, dropping 12 of his game-high output on his way to completing a 10-of-16 field goal shooting to go with six rebounds and three assists.
“I talked to Juami before the game. Alam namin na malaking bagay ang pagkawala ni Diego (Dario) and I asked him that he has to make the most of his extra minutes,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera.
Jeron Teng, who fired 42 points in leading the team to a 101-95 win over Batangas last week, chipped in 16 markers and 15 boards, while PJ Barua added 13 markers and Genmar Bragais added 10 markers and eight rebounds.
The Titans actually struggled in the first half, trailing the Hawkeyes by five after 10 minutes before moving to within one at the turn.
Tiongson then took charge to lead a 21-6 run between the third and fourth periods as the Titans surged ahead to 81-67 and never looked back.
Davon Potts led the Hawkeyes with 18 points and two rebounds, Mark Bringas chipped in 14 markers and Jason Perkins had 13 points and 10 boards.
Earlier, Jose Rizal University went on a late flurry to score a 75-64 victory over Blustar Detergent.
Tey Teodoro took charge down the stretch, firing eight of his 20 points as the Heavy Bombers finished off the Dragons with an 11-0 blast.
The burly guard spiked his exploits with four triples and pulled down seven rebounds.
Jhaps Bautista came off the bench to fire 18 points, including four triples, to go with six boards and four assists.
Alvin Vui Hang Ang paced Blustar with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Liaw Chee Huei got 14 markers and seven boards for the Dragons, who fell to 0-2.