Simon Enciso of Cebuana (light) vs Russel Yaya of MP (dark). NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines – Cebuana Lhuillier demolished MP Hotel 118-78 setting the third best team scoring performance in the PBA D-League Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Cebuana’s 118 points were behind NLEX’s125 in 2013 and Maynilad’s 119 in 2011.
It was a game worth in carats as the Gems destroyed the Warriors in every way possible.
Gems head coach Boysie Zamar said it was his team’s chemistry that propelled them to the win after shaking off their not-so-good performance in their season opener.
“Our first game was really shaky and us coaches challenged them,” Zamar said as they notched a 2-0 start. “Our off night on offense was answered by a prayer but our off night on our defense would rely on our players.”
“The players have to be responsible. The players should not always rely on prayers.”
And the players did rely on themselves as they ripped MP Hotel post by post.
Cebuana used a 19-7 run to start the third quarter as Simon Enciso nailed a booming three-pointer from the top of the key to make it 79-45.
And the Gems were not done yet.
A 17-5 run across the last two quarters gave Cebuana a 101-62 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
“The chemistry was there, the selflessness was there, the sacrifice was there,” Zamar said.
Jackson Corpuz was on fire for the Gems as he tallied 26 points, on 10/13 shooting, nine rebounds and four steals.
Almond Vosotros and Paul Zamar had 15 points apiece while Simon Enciso and New addition Mo Tautuaa combined for 25 points for Cebuana.
Jopher Custodio was a team-high 17 points for the Warriors while Jan Colina had 12 points, six in the fourth as he tried to put MP Hotel in a contest.