May 21, 2019

St. Clare dispatches AMA to lock up playoff seat

ST. Clare College Virtual Reality punched its ticket to the 2019 PBA D-League quarterfinals, drubbing AMA Online Education, 119-89, Tuesday at JSCGO Gym in Cubao.

Joshua Fontanilla and Darwin Lunor teamed up for the Saints' first quarter flurry where it took a 35-20 advantage and never looked back.

The diminutive Fontanilla fired 11 of his 16 points in the first half, on top of six rebounds and five assists, as Lunor added 13 to his name as well as collecting six boards and three assists to banner the seven players which got to double-digits.

"Gusto lang namin tapusin ng maganda ang eliminations. Sana madala namin sa next phase," said coach Jinino Manansala as St. Clare wrapped up its assignments to end up at 6-3 in the Aspirants Group.

Irven Palencia and John Ambuludto combined for 28 in the win as the lead swelled at its highest at 33, 76-43, in the third period.

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The Saints now sit idle at third place in the pool, but can still move up to the no. 2 spot and own a twice-to-beat edge if Family Mart-Enderun upsets Ironcon-UST on Thursday.

In the process, Petron-Letran (6-3) has also been eliminated after owning an inferior quotient.

Joshua Munzon led AMA (2-7) with 27 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Franky Johnson chimed in 19, as Troy Rike had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Scores:

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ST. CLARE 119 -- Fontanilla 16, Palencia 14, Ambuludto 14, Pare 13, Lunor 13, Santos 11, Decano 10, Hallare 8, Bolos 6, Rubio 5, Tiquia 5, Manacho 2, Penaredondo 2, Fuentes 0.

AMA 89 -- Munzon 27, Johnson 19, Rike 15, Parcero 12, Sayat 5, Asuncion 3, Estibar 3, Fuentes 3, Catequista 2, Sabile 0, Nakpil 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarters: 35-20, 68-39, 93-67, 119-89.