DEFENDING champion Phuket Waves outsteadied Khaoyai Chichi Wild Catz, 87-76, in the Thailand Basketball League (TBL) at the Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Powered by former PBA player-turned- playing coach Martinez, the Waves posted their second straight win in the prestigious competition.

Martinez, who scored 53 points in a game against the Pathum Thani 361 Pythons– the second-highest scoring performance in TBL history– finished with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting for the Phuket-based team.

Martinez also dished out 10 assists, and grabbed four rebounds in 39 minutes of action.

Another Filipino player, Wowie Escosio, and Patrick Tchuente , added 14 points each, while Unhurian Vladyslav nearly recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in Phuket’s second win in six games.

Alongkorn Ngnrungreangrot contributed nine points while Tostachai Chaisuttimetheekul and Nanthanan Seangsuriya chipped in with five points each.

“Masaya ako sa panalo namin ngayon, lalo na magaling din talaga yung kalaban,” said Martinez, who is best remembered during his playing days for the Powerade Tigers in the PBA from 2011-2012.

“Yung next game namin against Similan Black Fox, ibibigay namin yun 110 percent para makuha yun panalo,” added Martinez, who was actually drafted as the No. 18 overall pick by Barangay Ginebra in the 2011 PBA Draft.

“Malaking bagay yun may sumusuporta at naniniwala sa amin kaya lagi ako nagpapasalamat sa mga boss namin na sina 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, who also played for the University of East in the UAAP.

Kelly Sean Belly II led the scoring parade for Khaoyai with a 20-20 game of 28 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists in 40 minutes of play.

Andrian Celada added 18 points, four assists and three rebounds.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya