PBA D-League: Vidal leads M-Builders in win over Derulo Accelero

Jett Vidal of Zambales M-Builders (light) vs Clark Bautista and Jose Manuel of Derulo Accelero (dark).

MANILA, Philippines — Jett Vidal caught fire in the fourth period and towed Zambales M-Builders to a 79-73 victory over UP-Derulo Accelero in a battle of newcomers Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.

The marksman from Perpetual Help showcased what he does best and unloaded four straight triples for the M-Builders in the payoff period to tally 21 points.

The University of the Philippines-backed Oilers were eager to pull away, leading 70-62, with under five to go when the M-Builders turned to Vidal and standouts from Far Eastern University.

In within just two minutes, Zambales seized the lead back, 71-70, after a bucket from Mike Tolomia and a trey from Vidal, and never looked back from there.

“We exerted team effort and so we got the win,” head coach Junel Mendiola said in Filipino after the game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Tamaraws’ Mike Tolomia had 20 points, while Carl Bryan Cruz chipped in 10 for the M-Builders.

It was another frustrating finish for the Maroons like Raul Soyud, Henry Asilum and Jet Manuel, who topscored for Derulo Accelero with 17, 15, and 13, respectively.

After squandering the lead, Asilum tried to inch them closer, 73-74, with a triple with 1:55 to play but just couldn’t follow up on the ensuing attempts.