MANILA, Philippines — Asia’s Lashes debuted in style, shocking mainstay AMA Online Education with a 106-105 thriller at the start of the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Gunner Adrian Celada starred for Asia’s Lashes, erupting for 26 points on eight triples that came with three rebounds and seven assists.
Skipper Francis Camacho and veteran James Martinez contributed 13 each while Levi dela Cruz racked up 12 markers, four rebounds and four assists and three steals for the league newcomer which spoiled Aaron Black’s triple-double outing for AMA.
“It’s really hard to play in the opening game especially for us being a newbie here. We started strong but nearly ran out of steam in the end. Good thing was we recovered and still escaped with the win,” said head coach Alvin Grey as his wards almost squandered a 15-point lead.
In the second game, Technological Institute of the Philippines marked its D-League return with a 108-81 rout of McDavid-De La Salle Araneta.
Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye pumped in 26 points, and added eight rebounds and five blocks while Bryan Santos and Ivan Santos put up 18 and 17 markers, respectively for the Engineers.