PBA D-League: Gems dazzle Ironmen; Boracay up

MANILA, Philippines—Cebuana Lhuillier debuted in style, trouncing Cobra Energy Drink, 58-47,  Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Trinity University of Asia Gym.

The Gems leaned on Far Eastern U standout Terrence Romeo and former PBL Most Valuable Player Vic Manuel to hold off the Ironmen, whose late charge fell short for the second straight game.

Romeo wound up with 12 points while Manuel pulled down 11 rebounds for the Gems, who saw their 17-point lead in the third period reduce to six before hanging tough for the win.

In the second game, Boracay Rhum evened its card to 1-1 after crushing Café France, 65-46.

National University forward Glenn Khobuntin dished out a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Waves, who bounced back from a 65-68 loss to Blackwater Elite last Thursday.

The Waves opened the second period with an 11-3 spurt sparked by NU guard Joseph Terso to pull away for good.

“We’re still a work in progress,” said Waves coach Lawrence Chongson. “This team lacks the experience of the team we had last conference.”

John Noble paced Cobra Energy Drink with 10 points, but Josan Nimes, who scored 20 points in Cobra’s 76-82 loss against Big Chill on Tuesday, couldn’t reprise his big performance, finishing with just two points.

Simon Atkins and Carl Cruz joined forces to lead the Gems in a strong second-quarter start for a 23-11 lead.

The scores:
First Game
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 58—Romeo 12, Manuel 8, Cruz 8, Celada 6, Mangahas 6, Atkins 6, Llagas 4, Hayes 4, Almazan 2, Alas 2, Reyes 0, Jeffries 0.
COBRA ENERGY DRINK 47—Noble 10, Zablan 8, Sumido 7, Enguio 6, Casajeros 4, Belorio 4, Cortes 3, Nimes 2, Stevens 2, Cubo 2, Santos 0, Alas 0.
Quarters: 11-8, 29-20, 45-31, 58-47
Second Game
BORACAY RHUM 65—Khobotin 19, Sabellina 8, Baloran 8, Hermosisima 5, Cornejo 5, Terso 5, Eguilos 5, Siruma 4, De Guzman 2, Abaya 2, Rosopa 2, Bandaying 0, Morial 0, Espiritu 0.
CAFE FRANCE 46—Viernes 14, Parala 11, Dumapig 6, Montilla 4, Bulangis 3, Magbitang 2, Guillen 2, Antipuesto Mabayo 2, Alquisalas 0, Lamosa 0, Beldad 0, Jasmin 0, Abundo 0.
Quarters: 21-12, 34-22, 54-33, 65-46