Paniamogan leads Razorbacks past struggling Gems

Philip Paniamogan in yellow jersey INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Philip Paniamogan scored 19 points as Hog’s Breath beat shorthanded Cebuana Lhuillier, 93-69, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Paniamogan, the Jose Rizal U guard, knocked in 10 points in the third quarter anchoring a 33-point period where the Razorbacks regrouped and got back control of the game.

“What I told the players is that we lack height so all we have to do is keep on running and hope that the other team tires out,” said Hog’s Breath coach Caloy Garcia after the Razorbacks picked up their fourth straight win in as many games.

The Gems missed the services of their star guard Roi Sumang, who was with the University of the East in Batangas for a crucial game in the PCCL Sweet 16.

Cebuana Lhuillier stared at a 15-point deficit early but slowly worked its way back to just a thread, 48-49, in the third period before Paniamogan made consecutive baskets to spark a run by Hog’s Breath, which held the Gems to just 29.5% shooting from the field.

The Razorbacks, despite their lack of size, also managed to dominate the Gems, who dropped to 1-4, in the rebounding department, 66-47.

Francis Allera, a wing player in his college days with University of Santo Tomas, this time played center and grabbed nine rebounds while Jonathan Belorio, a forward, had 10 boards and a block at the four position.

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