Martinez in action.
Photo courtesy of Thailand Basketball League (TBL) Facebook page
Martinez fuels Phuket’s victory over Chiang Mai
DEFENDING champion Phuket Waves rode on the high-scoring duo of James Martinez and Unhurian Vladyslav to secure their first win in the Thailand Basketball League (TBL) at the Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Former PBA player-turned-playing coach Martinez and Vladyslav combined for 59 points as Phuket Waves snapped a three-game losing skid with a 78-74 victory over the Chiang Mai Eagles.
Martinez, who is best remembered during his playing days in the PBA, erupted for 30 points, including six triples, and added six rebounds and three assists in 38 minutes of action, while Vladyslav contributed a double-double performance with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. in the Waves’ victory.
Another Filipino standout, Wowie Escosio, contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Phuket-based team.
“Masaya kami sa panalo namin ngayon, lalo na una namin ito dito sa TBL. Sana magtuloy tuloy,” said Martinez, who is also a former University of the East standoutll.
“Siyempre, nag-papasalamat kami sa mga sumusuporta sa amin at naniniwala sa amin, lalo na sila boss Jet Maronilla ng MC Sports, Dennis Chiang of DCG Steel, John Rosagas ng Uratex, Big Boy Lee ng IV Vitamin Bar, Three Points Sublimation at Sprinto Shades of Pawlo Misolas,” added Martinez.
“Sa next game namin against Pathum Thani 361 Pythons, pipilitin namin uling manalo. Malakas sila pero gagawin namin yun best namin para makuha ulit yun panalo,”added Martinez.
Moisel Dongmo and Ousmane Doumbia led the losing effort of the Chiang Mai Eagles with 16 points each.
Doumbia also had 10 rebounds, four rebounds and two blocks while Dongmo had nine rebounds.
Damian Van Es contributed 14 points.
The scores:
Phuket Waves (78) — Martinez 30, Vladyslav 29, Escosio 10, Tchuente 4, Chaisuttimetheekul 2, Athiarpanon 2, Kaewkaset 1, Seangsuriya 0, Srirueang 0, Sangthong 0.
Chiang Mai Eagles (74) — Dongmo 16, Doumbia 16, Van Es 14, Argel 8, Camacho 5, Phasuk 4, Suwannarat 3, Rongratch 3, Sutantanondha 3,Laohawantana 2, Saeguay 0.
Quarterscores: 13-19, 38-34, 56-53, 78-74.
