Gems cruise to 4th victory

GINO Jumao-As of Tanduay Rhum drives off Cebuana Lhuillier’s Jackson Corpuz in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

JACKSON Corpuz sizzled in the third period as Cebuana Lhuillier turned back Tanduay Light, 81-70, Monday and stayed unbeaten in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Corpuz fired 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter, helping the Gems seize control on their way to a fourth straight victory.

The Gems also drew another big game from Mo Tautuaa who shot 20 points and grabbed 11 boards. Norbert Torres and Paul Zamar also combined for 28 points for the Gems.

But it was Corpuz’s third quarter explosion that proved key as the forward hit six of his eight shots to help turn the tide for the Gems, who outscored the Rhum Masters, 24-15, in the quarter.

“Tanduay shot well in the first half, but it was a good thing Jackson found his rhythm in the third quarter,” said Cebuana coach Boycie Zamar.

Joseph Eriobu tallied 14 points while Roi Sumang, Jaypee Belencion and Edwin Escueta combined for 32 points, but they could not prevent the Rhum Masters from falling to their third loss in four games.

Earlier, Cagayan Valley leaned on a fiery start to overwhelm Jumbo Plastic, 73-57, and join a four-team tie at fourth with a 2-2 record.

The scores:

First Game

CAGAYAN VALLEY 73—Galliguez 14, Celeda 13, Melano 12, Magat 9, Mabulac 7, Austria 5, Salamat 5, Rogado 4, Dilay 2, Flores 2, Santos 0, Tayongtong 0, Arquero 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 57—Villamor 14, Perez 8, Tiongson 7, Eguillos 7, Khobuntin 5, Rosalaes 5, Sabellina 4, Paniamogan 4, Avillanoza 3, Purdy 0, Almario 0.
Quarters: 26-16, 43-28, 59-37, 73-57

Second Game

CEBUANA LHUILLIER 81—Tautuaa 20, Corpuz 18, Torres 16, Zamar 12, Enciso 6, Vosotros 3, J. Mangahas 3, A. Mangahas 2, Bautista 1, Acibar 0, Acosta 0, Lopez 0, Sarangay 0, Marata 0.
TANDUAY LIGHT 70—Eriobu 14, Sumang 11, Belencion 11, Escueta 10, Mariano 8, Santos 7, Ilagan 6, Jumao-As 3, Mandani 0, Tagarda 0, Foronda 0, Rono 0, Dela PZa 0.
Quarters: 14-19, 34-35, 58-50, 81-70