J-Wash explodes as Petron snaps B-MEG’s win streak

AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Petron Blaze coach Ato Agustin was wary of his team’s penchant for losing control late in the game. Against the B-MEG Llamados, his wards made sure they finished strong.

The Boosters used a hot second quarter to blow the game open, before repulsing multiple late charges to fashion out a 92-80 victory over the Llamados in furious Governors’ Cup action Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“We needed to finish this game strong, hindi na pwedeng mangyari sa amin yung nangyari nung last two games,” said Agustin after the game.

Jay Washington tied his career-high with 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field. After the Llamados cut the lead to just six points late in the fourth quarter, Washington scored five points in a 7-0 run to push the Petron lead to 89-76 and kill the B-MEG rally.

“Si J-Wash, binuhos niya talaga,” said Agustin.

Eddie Basden added 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, neutralizing the all-around effort of counterpart Marqus Blakely. The B-MEG reinforcement posted 28 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, but committed six turnovers.

The game also saw the return to action of Dondon Hontiveros for the Boosters after a long layoff because of injury. The Cebuano hotshot was scoreless in five minutes of action.

“Si Dondon, wala pa sa timing,” said Agustin. “Unti-unti kong pinapalaro para makuha niya yung timing niya.”

With the win, Petron’s record improved to 4-3 for solo fourth place. The Llamados, who saw their five-game winning streak snapped, fell to second place in the standings with a 5-2 record.

The scores:

Petron 92 – Washington 29, Basden 22, Miranda 10, Lutz 8, Yeo 8, Santos 7, Cabagnot 6, Pena 2, Hontiveros 0, Ildefonso 0.

B-MEG 80 – Blakely 28, Yap 15, Reavis 12, Simon 9, Urbiztondo 8, Pingris 4, Intal 2, De Ocampo 2, Barroca 0, Villanueva 0.

Quarters: 23-23, 50-41, 75-62, 92-80

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