Pirates, Gems forge KO tiffs for s’final spots

CAFE France’s Yutien Andrada (left) and Bread Story’s Joseph Angelo Gabayni go after the loose ball in yesterday’s game. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Rising to the challenge, underdogs Bread Story-Lyceum and Cebuana Lhuillier hacked out upset wins yesterday to forge do-or-die matches for the last two semifinal berths in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

Jiovani Jalalon and Jackson Corpuz delivered more than half of Bread Story-Lyceum’s production as the Pirates shocked Cafe France, 79-72, while Cebuana Lhuillier banked on guards Paul Zamar and Allan Mangahas to stun Jumbo Plastic, 63-53.

The sixth-ranked Pirates surprisingly came out charging early behind Jalalon and Corpuz—who combined for 42 points—to erect leads as big as 24 points, 55-31, before weathering the Bakers’ fightback.

“No one expected us to be in the quarterfinals,” coach Bonnie Tan said of his Pirates, the only newcomer to crash into the top six. “But we didn’t back down to the challenge.”

Zamar and Mangahas also teamed up to fuel the No. 5 Gems’ strong 17-7 windup in the last seven minutes from a deadlock at 46.

“We challenged the players because every time we play the top teams, they doubt themselves,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar. “This time they have to prove a point that they can play as a team.”

The Pirates and the Gems will try to overcome their opponents’ twice-to-beat advantage on Monday.

The winners will advance versus outright semifinalists Cagayan Valley and Hapee.

The scores:

First Game

BREAD STORY-LYCEUM 79—Corpuz 21, Jalalon 21, Gabayni 9, Baltazar 5, Mbomiko 5, Daquioag 5, Vigil 5, Lao 3, Bangga 3, Taladua 2, Gamboa 0, Zamora 0, Bulawan 0.

CAFE FRANCE 72—Ahanmisi 14, Sedurifa 12, Alolino 10, Cruz 8, Noble 6, Batino 6, Andrada 5, Jeruta 4, De Leon 4, Abundo 2, Galanza 1, Cortez 0, Ebondo 0.

Quarters: 18-18, 46-31, 58-52, 79-72

Second Game

CEBUANA LHUILLIER 63—Zamar 18, Mangahas 12, Enciso 10, Ferrer 8, Torres 6,Bautista 3, Villahermosa 2, Lopez 2, Guinto 2, Banal 0, Acibar 0, Vosotros 0.

JUMBO PLASTIC 53—Paniamogan 14, Khobuntin 12, Rios 8, Sabelina 6, Tiongson 4, Cruz 3,Eguilos 3, Colina 2, Javier 1, Rosales 0, Terso 0, Maiquez 0, Villamor 0.

Quarters: 9-12, 31-27, 44-44, 63-53