PBA D-League: SEAOIL-FEU takes control of second half to beat FamilyMart-Enderun

By Jonas Terrado

RJ Abarrientos and L-Jay Gonzales sparked a third quarter uprising to lead SEAOIL-Far Eastern University to a 99-82 victory over FamilyMart-Enderun in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The backcourt duo combined for 18 points in the second half as the Extreme Racers took control after trailing 54-48 at halftime to win their opening assignment in the league’s first conference.

Abarrientos, nephew of PBA great Johnny Abarrientos, finished with 14 points and five assists in his D-League debut while Gonzales had 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists for SEAOIL-FEU.

Kenneth Tuffin hit eight of his 14 points in the second half, Nigerian center Emmanuel Ojula posted 14 points and six rebounds and Xyrus Torres hit four three-pointers for 12 points.

Michael dela Cruz made 14 points and four rebounds Pierre Konakoa, Joaquin Mariano and Ralph Tansingco scored 13 points apiece but FamilyMart-Enderun couldn’t sustain its lead in the second half.

Torres and Branley Bienes made back-to-back threes to tie the game before Abarrientos and Gonzales took control for SEAOIL-FEU.

The Extreme Racers entered the fourth up 78-73 but Royce Alforque and Tuffin hit consecutive triples to extend the gap to 84-73.

FEU is using the tournament as part of its early build-up for the UAAP season under the SEAOIL banner. The Tamaraws reached the quarterfinals during their stint in last year’s First Conference.

The scores:

SEAOIL-FEU 99 — Ojuola 14, Abarrientos 14, Tuffin 14, Gonzales 12, Torres 12, Bienes 11, Alforque 6, Celzo 6, Stockton 3, Coquia 3, Nunag 2, Dulatre 2, Flores 0.

FAMILYMART-ENDERUN 82 — Dela Cruz 14, Kouakou 13, Mariano 13, Tansingco 13, Baclay 12, Nunez 5, Veloso 5, Abate 3, Sacundo 2, Marcelino 2, Tancioco 0.

Quarters: 19-25; 48-54; 78-73; 99-82.

Source: Manila Bulletin