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MANILA, Philippines — Cebuana Lhuillier bucked a scoring drought late thanks to its defense to upset Jumbo Plastic, 60-54, in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Gems forced four crucial turnovers in the final two minutes to stop the Giants’ end-game rally and kickoff their campaign on a winning note.
“The team showed mental toughness,” said Cebuana head coach Boycie Zamar. “Jumbo Plastic is a good team they’ve been playing with the same players for quite some time. They’ve built their team around Ballesteros and Tan.”
Bam Gamalinda completed a three-point play that put Cebuana Lhuillier on top by eight, 58-50, with 7:11 remaining before the Gems went on a dry spell.
Jumbo Plastic closed to within four, 54-58, on a putback by Jason Ballesteros with 2:28 left but the Giants failed to fully capitalize on the opportunity with three straight turnovers as the Gems held their own defensively.
Rex Leynes cushioned the Gems’ lead, 60-54, with 1:08 left on two free throws before another miscue by the Giants with Ballesteros losing the ball out of bounds sealed the game.
Alvin Padilla scored 14 points, most of which came in the first half, to lead the Gems while Gamalinda added 13.
Jeff Viernes tallied a game-high 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Giants.