LUCENA – Will Gozum made an impact in his debut game right in front of the local folks of the Quezon Titans as he fell a rebound short of posting a double-double performance while Rodel Gravera came through with crucial baskets in leading their team to an 87-78 victory over the AO Kings at the Quezon Convention Center late Saturday night.
Gozum, the Most Valuable Player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association two years ago, finished with 10 points and nine rebounds and his presence immediately toughened up the interior of the Titans, who scored their ninth win in 11 games.
But it was Gravera who came through with crucial baskets down the stretch that helped repulse a late charge from the Kings.
Gravera scored seven points in the final three minutes, including a dunk coming from the baseline off a fastbreak play that shoved the Titans ahead, 80-69, exactly three minutes in the game.
The Titans, who led by as much as 27 points at one stretch, saw their big lead dwindling down and the Kings were able to post a late rally and come to within eight, 72-80, on a three-point play completed by Charles Callano, but his team simply ran out.
Playing Mayor Mark Alcala, who also made his debut, contributed eight markers, including a jumper in the last 30 seconds to ensure the win for the home squad.
RJ Minerva also contributed 10 markers to typify a balance production from Quezon, which shot 50% (36-of-72) from the field and outrebounded AO, 52-35.
The Titans also had 48 points from players coming off the bench, 38 more than their counterparts.
