MANILA, Philippines — Jeff Viernes led the solid outing of Jumbo Plastic’s second stringers as the Giants routed Boracay Rum, 71-56, Tuesday to boost their bid for an outright semifinal slot in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.
Viernes fired a game-high 15 points and Dennice Villamor drilled all his nine points in the pivotal second quarter, where the Giants bench scored 17 of the team’s 20 points to tow the team ahead, 32-24, at the break.
Hog’s Breath Cafe stunned Cebuana Lhuillier, 85-72, as JP Belencion erupted for 21 points in the second game.
The day’s results assured idle NLEX, the only unbeaten team with seven wins, a seat in the Final Four as Jumbo Plastic and Cebuana Lhuillier wound up tied for second at 5-2.
“We need this type of game because it bolsters our confidence,” said Giants coach Stevenson Tiu.
Jason Ballesteros also scored 12 points and 10 rebounds to help the Giants maintain a double-digit spread in the second half.
Boracay Rum, which only had Chris Banchero finishing in double figures, fell into a three-way tie with idle Big Chill and Cagayan Valley at 3-4.
The Razorbacks picked up only their second win in seven games with the rout of the Gems.
“We still have a slim chance to make the playoffs,” said Razorbacks coach Mike Buendia. “I told the guys to grab the opportunity.”
The scores:
First Game
JUMBO PLASTIC 71—Viernes 15, Ballesteros 12, Villamor 9, Parala 8, Colina 8, Cañada 8, Tan 6, Dehesa 5, Custodio 0, Chiu 0, Petilos 0.
BORACAY RUM 56—Banchero 11, Cabrera 9, Lingganay 7, Sabellina 5, Ignacio 5, Roño 4, Taha 4, Siruma 2, Belo 2, Bautista 2, Ilagan 2, Eguilos 2, Tagarda 1, Caperal 0.
Quarters: 12-11, 32-24, 54-41, 71-56
Second Game
HOG’S BREATH CAFE 85—Belencion 21, Racal 14, Gabawan 11, Robles 8, Terso 7, Ruaya 6, Sanga 5, Austria 3, Rios 3, Publico 3, Avillanoza 2, Gonzales 2, Najorda 0.
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 72—Gamalinda 16, Acibar 13, Arellano 11, Martinez 10, Padilla 5, G. Banal 5, Zamar 4, J. Banal 3, Paredes 2, Sarangay 0, Ilad 0.
Quarters: 20-25, 43-40, 72-52, 85-72