THE MINDANAO Aguilas overcame an early double-digit deficit to stun the BDO-National University, 73-67, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The victory was the Aguilas’ first in the PBA’s developmental league as the Zamboanga-based outfit took full advantage of the foul-plagued performance of the Bulldogs’ Alfred Aroga and the ejection of forward Matt Salem.
Dexter Garcia led the way for the Aguilas with 13 while former pro Robby Celiz had nine.
Former Southwestern University and Adamson guard Joseph Nalos fired in seven.
Still, it was a rough going for the Aguilas at the onset as they trailed, 13-22, after the first before turning it around in the second.
Aroga did not help matters for BDO as he picked up his third foul during that stretch and finished without a single point in 14 minutes of action.
Salem was also tossed after incurring his second technical foul in the third.