Two games into the tournament, and Burger King coach Yeng Guiao became more optimistic they can contend for the championship.
"I couldn't ask for a better start. It's really a good start and a good sign for us," said Guiao moments after Burger King nailed a second win in as many starts in the season-ending import-laced tourney.
Shawn Daniels came through with another sterling all-round game with 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Arwind Santos and Gary David combined for 38 points as the Titans whipped the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 110-106, to gain the early solo lead in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday.
"This is a new team with a new coach, new management and plenty of new players. We're still familiarizing with one another yet we're already on a roll," said Guiao.
"We still have a lot of things to improve on but I'm happy I can see the players enjoying the system. Guys you don't expect to deliver, like Erick Rodriguez, JR Quinahan and Chad Alonzo, are stepping up. Then there are the regular contributors in Arwind Santos, Gary David and Cyrus Baguio. This team we'll only get better," Guiao added.
Practically all the Titans did deliver as they notched a second straight victory following a triumphant debut versus the Sta. Lucia Realtors in Dumaguete Saturday.
Santos paced the team with 20 points and added nine rebounds and two assists with David addding 18 points, Baguio 12, Rodriguez 11 and Beau Belga and Celino Cruz nine apiece.
Curiously, the Titans came through with a crucial run to seize control early in the fourth period with Daniels resting on the bench.
Alonzo, Quinahan, Baguio, Santos and Wynne Arboleda teamed up in a 16-4 assault pushing the Titans up by 13 at 97-84 with 6:14 left to play.
The Kings waged a chase in the homestretch but the best they could do was come to within three at 99-102 and 106-109.
Rod Nealy, who marked his return with Ginebra with a 42-point performance Wednesday against Coca-Cola, was limited to 26 this time on a 9-of-20 field-goal shooting.
Nealy grabbed 20 rebounds but the Titans totaled 60 boards as against the Kings' 51.
The two teams figured in a slam bang duel early on, fighting through 17 lead changes and eight deadlocks.
Sunday Salvacion knocked in six triples and finished with 26 points with Jayjay Helterbrand, Ronald Tubid and Paul Artadi the other Kings ending in double figures. (NC)
The scores:
Burger King 110 -- Santos 20, David 18, Daniels 12, Baguio 12, Rodriguez 11, Belga 9, Cruz C. 9, Alonzo 8, Billones 5, Quinahan 4, Cruz M. 1, Arboleda 1.
Ginebra 106-- Nealy 26, Salvacion 26, Helterbrand 14, Tubid 12, Artadi 10, Intal 7, Lanete 5, Reavis 4, Menk 2, Wilson 0.
Quarterscores: 22-20, 46-45, 81-80, 110-106 |
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