Gamalinda powers Gems over Oilers for 2-0 mark

Bambam Gamalinda of Cebuana (light) vs Jackson Corpuz of Derulo (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Bambam Gamalinda came through in the fourth quarter to lead Cebuana Lhuillier over Derulo Accelero, 90-86, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Gamalinda scored 11 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Gems, despite trailing by as much as 14 points late in the second period, picked up their second win in as many stints and tie idle NLEX and Cafe France at the top of the standings.

“I guess the problem with coming off a win is your tendency is to relax,” explained Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boycie Zamar, whose team took down the Jumbo Plastic Giants, 60-54, last week, on how his squad fell into a double-digit hole early.

The Gems were still trailing, 67-70, entering the fourth quarter before going on a 9-2 run with the former pro Gamalinda tallying seven points during that key stretch including a layup for a 79-72 advantage with 5:21 remaining.

“Bambam has a good shooting touch but he still has to be consistent and work more on his defense,” said Zamar.

Paul Zamar also had 22 points on four-of-five shooting from long range while James Martinez added 18 for Cebuana Lhuillier.

Jackson Corpuz paced Derulo with 21 points.

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