D-LEAGUE: CEBUANA LHUILLIER, CAFE FRANCE SECURE SEMIS SEATS
No twice-to-beat disadvantage could stop Cebuana Lhuillier as the Gems tripped Jumbo Plastic anew, 85-81, to advance to the semifinals of the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at the Arena in San Juan.
It was a collective effort from the boys of coach Boycie Zamar as five players notched double digits in scoring, with Norbert Torres leading the pack with 17 points. Allan Mangahas also tallied 15 for the Gems, while Simon Enciso and Almond Vosotros each scored 12 markers, and Kevin Ferrer added 10.
Zamar was ecstatic with the accomplishment for the fifth-seed Cebuana Lhuillier given the struggles they went through.
“I thought the players responded well to the challenge. They kept their discipline and never gave up when Jumbo threatened to steal the game,” he said.
“We were struggling this season dahil yung mga key players na naglaro sa amin this season are definitely not new, but that doesn’t mean they are superstars. Yun yung challenge na na-overcome nila.”
Paul Zamar notched all of his eight points in the payoff period, including pressure packed free throws to secure the victory.
After the Gems took the lead, 80-79, Torres drained an open jumper which was followed by a couple of free throws from Zamar to push Cebuana up, 84-79 with 24.4 seconds left. Jumbo Plastic could not convert on their end as the Gems advanced to the Final 4.
Cebuana will meet top-seed Cagayan on Thursday for Game 1 of their best-of-3 semifinal series at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
Philip Paniamogan got 15 points for Jumbo Plastic, who once again made their exit after grabbing a twice-to-beat edge as the fourth seed.
In the second game, Cafe France made sure that it won’t get tripped this time, fending off Bread Story-LPU, 81-68.
Aaron Jeruta captained a strong third quarter charge for the Bakers as he finished with 22 points to lead the third seed Cafe France to the victory.
Joseph Sedurifa also added 12 while Rod Ebondo bucked the pain in his ankle and chimed in 10 in the win.
“Our guards stepped up today. I thought our desire showed up today,” said CafeFrance coach Egay Macaraya.
After Bread Story-LPU took the half at 42-37, Cafe France came alive in the pivotal third canto, outscoring its rivals, 31-14.
The Bakers will clash with Hapee in another best-of-3 semifinal series also starting Thursday. (RL)
The Scores:
First Game:
Cebuana Lhuillier 85 – Torres 17, A. Mangahas 15, Enciso 12, Vosotros 12, Ferrer 10, Zamar 8, Bautista 5, Guinto 3, Lopez 2, Villahermosa 1, Sarangay 0.
Jumbo Plastic 81 – Paniamogan 15, Sabellina 11, Tiongson 11, Eguilos 10, Khobuntin 8, Villamor 6, Colina 6, Javier 5, Cruz 3, Terso 3, Rios 3, Rosales 0.
Quarters: 28-24 51-40, 65-59, 85-81.
Second Game:
Cafe France 81 – Jeruta 22, Sedurifa 12, Ebondo 10, De Leon 9, Ahanmisi 7, Andrada 6, Alolino 4, Batino 4, Galanza 3, Cruz 2, Cortez 2, Abundo 0, Noble 0.
Bread Story-LPU 68 – Daquioag 11, Gamboa 10, Jalalon 10, Corpuz 9, Gabayni 6, Taladua 5, Bangga 5, Mbimoko 3, Bulawan 3, Baltazar 2, Zamora 2, Vigil 2, Lao 0, Elmejrab 0.
Quarters: 21-19, 37-42, 68-56, 81-68.
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