[OKBET CASINO] sports news, Aldin Ayo made his PBA coaching debut on Friday.
Aldin Ayo made his PBA coaching debut on Friday. -PBA IMAGES
Aldin Ayo stressed the need to see Converge show its best performance in every game after finally getting its feet wet as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coach on Friday.
"I think we have to play our best game," Ayo said after his first game in the big leagues as the FiberXers defeated Terrafirma Dyip 124-110 in the Commissioner's Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ayo admitted to feeling nervous about his debut in this arena as he handled his college team, especially after Converge needed two quarters to finally pull away from Terrafirma.
In the nightcap, NLEX defeated the return of its former coach Yeng Guiao at Rain or Shine, 96-90.
Former NBA player Earl Clark finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four steals and six caps.
Import Quincy Miller was outstanding in his first PBA game, and the local players led by Maverick Ahanmisi helped turn a see-saw battle into a one-sided game in favor of the Converse.
Massive test
But Terrafirma, which dropped its 17th straight game dating back to last season’s Governors’ Cup, is obviously inferior compared to the next challenge of Ayo’s young PBA stint.
He will be up against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena where he will try to outsmart Tim Cone and a vaunted lineup led by resident import Justin Brownlee.
“If you’re going to face the winningest coach, legendary at that, it will be a tough game for us,” he said. “Aside from that, they have a stacked team in terms of its lineup.
“And one more thing is that they have a resident import who really fits their system. It will be a tough game for us,” added Ayo.To naught
Miller had 38 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks to lead a respectable FiberXers showing that saw them play at a faster pace while putting premium on knocking down shots from outside.
Ahanmisi scored 18 points and Aljun Melecio began his reunion with his ex-La Salle coach by making all 10 of his output in the second half.
Quincy and Ahanmisi drained a combined eight triples and helped the FiberXers break free from a 62-all tie entering the third quarter.
A 43-point output by the returning Lester Prosper could not help Terrafirma, which lost all 11 games last conference, snap out of its misery.
Lester also pulled down 25 rebounds but got little help from his local supporting cast.
