Paul Zamar of Cebuana (dark) vs Jason Melano of Cagayan (light). Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Also-ran Cebuana Lhuillier dealt a huge blow to Cagayan Valley’s bid for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals with a 76-68 win in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the Trinity University of Asia gym in Quezon City.
The Gems, who appeared to be the fresher team coming out of the tail-end of a back-to-back, never trailed but had to hurdle some anxious moments in the third quarter where the Rising Suns threatened.
James Martinez scored 20 points and restored order for Cebuana Lhuillier with a pair of 3-pointers as part of the Gems’ key 14-3 spurt to end the third period that doused the Suns’ blistering rally.
“We may be out of the playoff picture but our remaining games still mean a lot to my players. Most of them are collegiate players who still need to learn the value of work and essence of playing the game,” said Cebuana Lhuillier head coach Boycie Zamar, whose team bounced back from a 68-80 loss to defending champion NLEX Monday.
“Hope we could keep this level of play in our remaining games.”
Mark Bringas recorded his second straight double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds just a day after his 21 and 14 effort in a 101-92 Cagayan Valley win over National University-BDO.
Don Trollano added 17 for the Suns, who dropped to fifth and half a game out of the last twice-to-beat quarters slot behind Hog’s Breath.
Andrian Celada, who starred for Cagayan on Monday with 20 points, was held scoreless.