CHOOKS to Go-Pilipinas got the best out of Carl Cruz as they put away Mono Vampire BC of Thailand, 115-102, in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017, Sunday in Chenzhou Hunan, China.
Cruz came up with a personal-best of 28 points in leading a victory that improved the Manok ng Bayan cagers’ card to 2-1, helping Team Pilipinas to bounce back from Saturday night’s loss to Sareyyet Ramallah of Palestine.
The 25-year-old Cruz struck with eight of his team’s 14 three-pointers on his way to a 28-point tally.
Isaiah Austin contributed 27 points and 19 rebounds, while Kiefer Ravena added 27 markers with seven assists.
The Filipino cagers stepped it up right away, leaving Mono stunned.
LA Revilla’s breakaway lay-up off a Mono Vampire error gave Chooks to Go a 27-12 lead with 3:20 remaining the first quarter.
Mono Vampire BC went toe to toe with Team Pilipinas with their balanced attack, led by Mike Singletary and Ratdech Kruatiwa.
Kruatiwa’s three-pointer inched his side to within a point, 45-44, with 2:52 in the said frame.
The Vampire showed they can keep up with Chooks in the second half.
But the Filipino side was too much. Austin’s dunk off Ravena’s lob helped Chooks repost a 15-point lead, 107-92, with 2:08 left to play.
Jeron Teng continued to impress for Chooks, as he finished with 17 points and five boards.