PBA D-League: Giants rout Waves, improve to 5-2

Jeric Canada of Jumbo (dark) vs Robin Rono of Boracay Rum (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Jumbo Plastic fashioned out a 71-56 rout of Boracay Rum to strengthen its bid for an outright semifinals slot in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cat-quick guard Jeff Viernes scored 15 points to lead the Giants, who took control in the second half.

“We’re doing good right now and our target is to get into the semis outright. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain it,” said Jumbo Plastic coach Steven Tiu after his team improved to 5-2.

The Giants put the game away early in the fourth after Viernes knocked in three consecutive 3-pointers to stretch his team’s lead to 15, 65-50.

Chris Banchero returned to the lineup after missing a game due to a left shoulder injury to pace the Waves with 11 points.

But not even the Fil-Italian guard’s return could keep Boracay Rum from suffering its second straight loss as it tied Big Chill and Cagayan Valley in the standings with a 3-4 mark.

Former pro Jason Ballesteros added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Giants.

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