Chargers hand coach first win in D-League

MANILA, Philippines — Neophyte iWalk unleashed a strong finishing kick to repel Hazchem, 90-76, and hand ex-pro-turned-mentor Jonas Villanueva his first coaching career win in the PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Four players scored in double digits for the Chargers led by big man Wowie Escosio, who pumped in 22 points and six rebounds in just 24 minutes of action.

Former FEU guard Jasper Parker (12), Bernie Bregondo (10) and John Michael Cruz (10) also added double figures, ex-pro Jeric Canada with nine while JP Belencion and skipper Allan Mangahas chipped in eight apiece for a collective effort to finally give their mentor Villanueva a first victory in his coaching career.

“It’s satisfying to finally get my first win. It’s a sigh of relief,” said the 2007 PBA Finals MVP for San Miguel, whose mentoring debut got spoiled with a 92-110 loss to AMA last week.

“Playing and coaching are entirely different worlds. I’m still learning and adjusting but I will get there. I’m just embracing the experience and the challenge of being a coach now,” added the former FEU Tamaraw, who entered the pro-league as the ninth overall pick in 2007, as iWalk improved to 1-1 in Group A.

The Chargers had a slow start and stared at an early 12-point deficit before saving their best for last, launching a blistering 20-2 fourth-quarter blast to turn a 62-58 deficit into a commanding 78-64 lead with only 3:27 left.

Captain Raymark Matias had 15 markers and eight boards to pace the Green Warriors, who slid to 1-2 in Group A.

In the other game, Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato banked on a huge third-quarter explosion to fend off Naitalk-Savio, 77-62.

Down 32-26 at the break, the Soldiers launched a 31-10 third-frame rally to erect a 57-42, spread which they never surrendered the rest if the way.

Jhygruz Laude put up 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals off the bench while Rickson Gerero (10) and Francis Camacho (10) provided help in the Soldiers’ second win in three matches also in Group A.

Rudolph Mienlam, meanwhile had a 15-point, 11-rebound outing that went down the drain in yet another defeat of Nailtalk-Savio, which slid to 0-3 in Group A.