Cebuana Lhuillier came out with all guns blazing in the first half and coasted to a 118-78 victory over MP Hotel and a share of the early lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
The Gems found their stride early and never looked back, leaning on the trio of Jackson Corpuz, Norbert Torres and Almond Vosotros to roll past an MP Hotel squad made up of current Letran players.
It was the second win in as many games for the Gems, who had six players scoring at least nine points led by Corpuz’s game-high 26 points.
“What’s more important about this win is that the chemistry was there, the selflessness was there, the sacrifice was there,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar.
Kera Mix sizzled from beyond the arc in the second half to drub ATC Liver Marin-San Sebastian College, 89-71, and joined Cebuana on top of the standings.
The Mixers built an early 15-point lead, although they needed a flurry of triples in the second half to hold off Liver Marin’s third quarter charge for their second straight win.
Luis Sinco and Jeff Viernes finished with 12 points each, spearheading a balanced offensive by the Mixers.
Earlier, Cagayan Valley leaned on a late explosion from guard Abel Galliguez to repulse AMA University, 75-70, while Galliguez fired all of his 16 points in the final period, helping the Rising Suns put the Titans away for their first win since losing the Aspirants Cup to Hapee last month.
The Scores
First Game
CAGAYAN VALLEY 75—Galliguez 16, Celada 12, Mabulac 11, Trollano 9, Tayongtong 9, Santos 7, Melano 6, Flores 3, Arquero 2, Dilay 0, Salamat 0, Sanchez 0, Rogado 0.
AMA UNIVERSITY 70—Arellano 25, Terso 11, Taganas 10, King 7, Maiquez 6, Martinez 6, Tampus 3, Quijano 0, Jordan 0.
Quarters: 14-13, 37-35, 55-48, 75-70.
Second Game
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 118—Corpuz 26, Torres 15, Vostros 15, Enciso 14, Tautuaa 11, Zamar 9, Acibar 5, Marata 3, J. Mangahas 3, Bautista 3, Sarangay 3, Acosta 2, Lopez 0.
MP HOTEL 78—Custodio 17, Colina 12, Nambatac 12, Escosio 9, Mendoza 8, Pacquiao 5, Calvo 4, Jur Luib 3, Yaya 2, Quinto 2, Magat 2, Dela Pena 2, Yusop 0.
Quarters: 30-13, 60-38, 87-58, 118-78
Third Game
KERA MIX 89—Sinco 12, Viernes 12, Agovida 9, Jalalon 9, Gabawan 8, Gil 8, Robles 8, Digregorio 7, Jamito 5, Saitanan 4, Ibay 2, Canta 0.
LIVER MARIN-SSC 71—Ortuoste 18, Dela Cruz 14, Ignacio 10, Laude 10, Bangga 5, Fabian 4, Calisaan 3, De Vera 3, Balucanag 2, Mag-isa 2, Rios 0, Santos 0, Costelo 0.
Quarters: 28-13, 45-39, 69-50, 89-71