Racal Motors got quick results from its recent coaching change as the newcomer Alibaba shocked last conference’s semifinalist Jumbo Plastic, 77-66, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at JCSGO Gym.
Jeff Viernes pumped in all of his 19 points in the second half to lead Alibaba, who won two of their last three games under new coach Caloy Garcia.
“They (Giants) weren’t shooting well,” said Garcia, who replaced coach Jino Manansala after Alibaba got off to 0-3 start.
“So we employed the zone and went man-to-man every time they called a time out just to confuse them. I thought the plan worked.”
In other games, AMA University survived Bread Story-Lyceum’s late run, 97-89, while Cebuana Lhuillier whipped MJM M-Builders, 87-72.
Both the Gems and the Titans hiked their records to 3-3, just a game behind the Giants, who slipped to fourth place with a 4-2 slate.
Joseph Eriobu paced the AMA Titans with 19 points while Jay-R Taganas had a huge all-around game of 15 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks.
“Our lack of experience showed, but the guys also showed character down the stretch,” said Ama coach Mark Herrera.