PBA D-League: Gems topple higher-seeded Giants, make semis

Allan Mangahas of Cebuana (dark) vs Philip Panamogan of Jumbo (light). PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines – Cebuana Lhuillier knocked off Jumbo Plastic, 85-81, to clinch a semifinals berth in the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Norbert Torres nearly posted a double-double with 17 points and eight rebounds while Paul Zamar scored all of his eight points in the fourth quarter for the Gems, who arranged a semis date with the top-seeded Cagayan Valley Rising Suns.

“I challenged my players because last season, the team made it to the semifinals,” said Cebuana Lhuillier head coach Boycie Zamar. “We were able to level the series and we came into the game that we have a 50-50 chance to win.”

The Gems forged a rubber match following a 63-53 win last Thursday.

The former University of the East guard Zamar accounted for eight of Cebuana Lhuillier’s last nine points in the final three minutes and 31 seconds.

He assisted on Torres’ jumper that gave the Gems a three-point lead with 33.5 seconds left before sinking two free throws to make it, 84-79, with 24.4 ticks remaining.

Two free throws by Philip Paniamogan cut the deficit to three, 84-81, with 12.7 seconds to go before Torres split his charities and Tiongson missed a 3-pointer as time ran out on the No. 4 Giants.

Paniamogan had 15 points for Jumbo Plastic, which will miss the semifinals despite owning a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals for the second straight time in the Aspirants Cup.

Allan Mangahas added 15 points off the bench for the Gems, who took an early 17-5 lead.

The best-of-three semis starts on Thursday with the Gems looking to become the first team to hand the Rising Suns a loss this conference. Cagayan gained an outright semifinals berth after sweeping the elimination round with an 11-0 record.

“Last time we faced Cagayan, they did not have Tautuaa so we’re really going to have our hands full against them. They have the advantage,” said Zamar.

No. 2 Hapee will face either  No.3 Cafe France or Bread Story-Lyceum in the other semis matchup.