Here are the players who made the biggest impact on August 7 and the stats to highlight their impact.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
Justin Anthony Strings TER PF 28 PTS | 11 REB | 6 AST | 55.2 FPS
The reliable Terrafirma import dominated in almost every way against NLEX, finishing among the top scorers, rebounders and playmakers of the game. He was also very efficient today, shooting 52% from two while also turning the ball over just once after averaging seven turnovers in his previous two games. This performance also marked his fifth straight game with at least 28 points and his sixth game with 10+ rebounds.
Maverick Ahanmisi TER PG 16 PTS | 10 AST | 3 STL | 40.6 FPS
The veteran guard led the way offensively, shooting efficiently from all levels to record at least 15 points for the fifth time in his last six games. He was even more impressive as a playmaker, finishing with a game-high in assists and also raising his average to 7.7 per game, which is tied for the second-best mark in the league.
John Bryle Bahio NLX C 20 PTS | 16 REB | 1 AST | 39.7 FPS
Despite the loss, Bahio put together his best game of the year. He set the tone early, scoring 14 points on a perfect 6-for-6 from two-point range while adding seven first-half rebounds. By the end, he had recorded his third 20-point game and also his best rebounding performance of the season.
KJ Buffen MAG SF 27 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 34.9 FPS
Though he wasn’t very effective, shooting 6-for-15 from two-point range while also committing five turnovers, the Magnolia import still got the job done, finishing as the game’s leading scorer. He stayed sharp from distance, however, knocking down three triples today to improve to 17-for-28 in this conference.
Ian Paul Sangalang MAG C 16 PTS | 10 REB | 1 STL | 31.0 FPS
This was another quality production for the veteran big man. Offensively, he’s been playing exceptionally well this conference, shooting 5-of-6 from two today for his fifth consecutive double-digit scoring game. He also made a much bigger impact on the boards, grabbing four offensive rebounds to finish with a game-high and conference-high output.
Jerom Lastimosa MAG PG 17 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 31.0 FPS
It took some time for Lastimosa to settle in, but he finally did today, finishing as the team’s leading local scorer. He was especially effective on two-pointers, making 7-of-13, while also providing steady production at the line, where he’s now gone 17-for-21 this conference. He also delivered in the secondary categories today, posting conference-best numbers in both rebounds and assists.
Jason Alexander Brickman MER PG 19 PTS | 4 AST | 2 STL | 30.4 FPS
Back in the lineup after missing two games due to an illness, the Meralco guard provided an immediate offensive spark. He put on a clinic from long range, knocking five 3-pointers to lead all locals in scoring and match his best scoring output of the conference.
Brent Paraiso TER SG 18 PTS | 2 AST | 2 STL | 29.4 FPS
The shooting guard was the difference-maker in their win against NLEX. He came through in the final period, scoring seven points to help secure the upset and also establish a new conference-high. Paraiso has been a vital part of the team’s rotation in recent conferences but performances like this don’t happen often.
Christopher Elijah Newsome MER SG 17 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 28.1 FPS
This was his second consecutive game scoring at least 15 points and also his best scoring output of the conference. He’s been shooting the lights out from deep lately, hitting 8-of-10 three-pointers in his last two games.
Louelljay Gonzales NLX PG 15 PTS | 4 AST | 1 STL | 26.4 FPS
Offensively, Gonzales has been highly effective this conference, and he kept going today with his third double-digit scoring performance. Through seven games, he’s gone 20-for-27 on two-pointers and 14-for-18 from the free-throw line.
Juan Miguel Tiongson TER PG 20 PTS | 1 REB | 3 AST | 23.7 FPS
Tiongson came up big against Terrafirma, pouring in 15 points in the second half to ignite the comeback win. He was on target from two, shooting at 42% while knocking down four triples to match the game-high scoring mark among the locals. It was also his third 20-point game in his last four outings.
Paul John Lee MAG SG 7 PTS | 5 AST | 1 STL | 19.9 FPS
Though Lee hasn’t quite found his scoring rhythm, averaging just 5.2 points while going 3-for-12 from deep this conference, he’s been making up for it in other ways. He now has 12 assists over his last two games.
John Matthew Bravo TER PF 16 PTS | 3 REB | 19.6 FPS
Limited to just four points in their previous loss, the rookie forward turned things around today, leading the charge with 12 first half points before finishing with a new conference-high. He was locked in from the two-point area, knocking down 7-of-8 attempts.
Andy Mark Barroca MAG PG 7 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 19.2 FPS
Like he usually does, Barroca found multiple ways to impact the game. In his last five games this conference, he has maintained steady production, averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per outing.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Zavier Lucero MAG PF 10 PTS | 2 REB | 1 BLK | 16.4 FPS
In each of his previous three games, Lucero has dominated in the paint, posting a double-double. Today, however, he fell far short of that standard, attempting only six shots while also posting one of his worst rebounding games of the season.
