Viernes leads Racal Motors upset of Jumbo Plastic

Jeff Viernes of Racal Motors (light) vs Joseph Terso of Jumbo Plastic (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Jeff Viernes scored all of his 19 points in the second half and Racal Motors beat Jumbo Plastic, 77-66, for just its second win in the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Viernes fired 13 points in the third quarter alone that keyed in his team’s upset win.

Racal Motors’ defense also caused problems for the Giants.

“They weren’t shooting well so we employed the zone and went man-to- man every time they called a time out to just confuse them,” said Racal head coach Caloy Garcia after his team improved to 2-4. “I thought the plan worked.”

The Giants shot just 34% from the field with their leading scorer Mark Cruz, who had 14 points, missing seven out of his 13 shots.

Racal Motors went off for 31 points in the third quarter after scoring just 27 in the first half.

“I thought the guys responded well today and gave a lot of effort,” said Garcia. “Right now the goal is to just continue to improve.”

Jumbo Plastic absorbed its second loss in six games.