FORMER NCAA champion Philippine Christian University unleashed the “Dynamic Duo” of Michael Ayonayon and Jon Von Tambeling when it mattered to subdue FEU-NRMF-Gerry’s Grill, 98-97, in the 2017 MBL Open basketball championship at the EAC Sports Center.
Ayonayon and Tambeling produced 61 points between them in a deadly two-man game that powered PCU to its second straight win and a share of the lead with Colegio de San Lorenzo-V Hotel.
FEU-NRMF fell to 3-1.
Ayonayon finished with 31 points, including 21 in the second half while eluding FEU’s defenders with his cat-quick drives to the basket and timely howitzers.
Tambeling, who earned MVP honor in PCU’s runner-up in the MBL last year, added 30 points highlighted by a couple of ankle-breaking moves to the delight of a big weekend crowd.
“We surprised them (Tamaraws) with our running game. They have the experience, so we turned to our youth,” said PCU coach Elvis Tolentino, who called the shots together with his father, Ato Tolentino.
Tolentino lauded the support of PCU president Dr. Junifen Gauuan and Institute of Physical Education, Arts and Culture director Putli Martha Beata Ijiran.
Fil-Canadian sensation Clay Crellin led the way for FEU with 23 points, including three three-pointers that kept the Tamaraws in the thick of the fight in the toyrnament supported by Smart Sports, Ironcon Builders, Star Bread, Dickies Underwear and Gerry’s Grill.
Glen Gravengard added 18 piinrs and Erwin Sta. Maria and Raniel Jake Diwa contributed 16 pounrs each for the Tamaraws of coach Pido Jarencio and manager Nino Reyes.
Ex-PBA star Jerwin Gaco was held to only two points and went 0-of-4 from the line in limited minutes.
Earlier, CdSL-V Hotel subdued MLQU-Victoria Spiets, 89-79, and Dikiman College-JPA Freight Logistics bested Emilio Aguinaldo College, 72-56.
The scores:
PCU (98)—Ayonayon 31, Tambeling 30, Pallatao 10, Mescallado 8, Apreku 7, Vasquez 5, Sazon 3, Sumalacay 2, Malto 2, Bautista 0.
FEU-Gerry’s Grill (97)—Crellin 23, Gravengard 18, Sta. Maria 16, Diwa 16, Zamora 6, Gumabay 6, Santos 4, Harry 2, Gaco 2, Tabi 2, Gonzales 2, Tan 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 43-42, 69-61, 98-97.