PBA D-League: Jumbo notches twice-to-beat q’finals advantage, fends off MJM

MANILA, Philippines – Bringing their momentum to the quarterfinals of the PBA D-League, the Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Giants subdued the MJM M-Builders 88-80 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Thursday afternoon.

Jumbo had a double digit lead heading into the fourth but MJM slowly chipped away at the foundation giving episodes of panic to the playoff-bound Giants.

MJM staged a 6-0 spurt to cut the lead to five, 80-75, with Gelo Alolino converting on a four-point play.

Philip Paniamogan, though, would restore order off the lucky bounce, 82-75.

Giants head coach Stevenson Tiu said they need to build up their confidence heading into the playoffs against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.

Both teams have identical 7-4 records but the Giants have the advantage of a twice-to-beat courtesy of their 63-61 victory over the Gems in the eliminations.

“We must build up the confidence heading into the quarterfinals against Cebuana,” Tiu said. “Our win in the eliminations is behind us, it’s a clean slate from now on.”

He added that the quarterfinals would unleash a different beast from their opponents and they must match the intensity.

Paniamogan played big with 20 points and 11 boards for the Giants with Juami Tiongson adding 11 points and seven boards.

Glenn Khobuntin had 21 points for the Builders.