PBA D-League: Romero scores 11 as Jumbo Plastic routs Arellano-Air21

Mark Romero of Jumbo Plastic (dark) vs Roger Pogoy and Gryann Mendoza of Zambales (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Collective effort carried Jumbo Plastic to an 81-55 dismantling of Arellano-Air21 Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

All but two of the entire roster chipped in at least two points for the Giants, who began their romp with a 22-8 second quarter barrage and were never threatened from there.

Mark Romero from St. Benilde in the NCAA came out with 11 points in just 15 minutes, along with a team-high six rebounds and three assists.

Harry Petilos, Karl Dehesa and Elliot Tan had nine points apiece, combining for six of the total seven triples of Jumbo Plastic, which led by as many as 30.

“I just shuffled all the players, I used all of the 14 players. I was trying to look for a good combination. I wanted to use my new players to gel with the team,” said head coach Stephen Tiu.

Adam Serjue had a 10-point effort for the Express, who managed to pull within 13 points with a strong third quarter start but was held to just four points the rest of the period.

Jumbo Plastic improved to 4-1 and stayed within distance of leader Big Chill, while Arellano skid further to 1-4. Only six teams will advance to the playoffs.