Cebuana Lhuillier escapes Big Chill to clinch last semis slot

Bambam Gamalinda of Cebuana (dark) vs Alex Santos of Big Chil (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Cebuana Lhuillier climbed back from a double-digit hole to escape Big Chill, 67-60, and seize the last semifinals slot in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at the Meralco Gym.

The Gems, who lost a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals after dropping a 64-72 decision last Thursday, worked their way back behind their suffocating defense that limited the Superchargers to just eight points in the fourth quarter.

“My players are not really winners. But they have proven themselves and we got over the hump,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boyzie Zamar after his team setup a semis showdown with NLEX.

“NLEX is a powerhouse team. It will be a tough game. We just need to have heart,” Zamar said.

Their best-of-three semifinals series start on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Bambam Gamalinda scored 21 points while Alvin Padilla added 14 for the Gems, who outscored the Superchargers by 13 in the fourth quarter.

Big Chill still led, 62-60, after a triple by Mar Villahermosa but the Superchargers went scoreless in the final 3:29. Gamalinda answered back with his own 3-pointer to put the Gems on top for good, 63-62.

Villahermosa finished with 14 points while center Rodney Brondial contributed 12.