photo from pba-online.net
MANILA, Philippines—Lester Alvarez delivered anew to help Freego Jeans stave off Boracay Rum, 58-48, Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Adamson Gym.
Alvarez pumped in 18 points, including six crucial points down the stretch as Freego remained unbeaten at 2-0.
Freego still hacked out a double-digit win but coach Leo Austria wasn’t satisfied.
“Everyone was trying to score, there were times when they didn’t pass the ball to the open man,” Austria pointed out.
Freego dictated the tempo but became too complacent as it allowed Boracay Rum to come to within four, 52-48, with 1:32 left after a Maclean Sabellina basket.
Freego, with its core built around Adamson players, turned to Alvarez, who didn’t disappoint.
The star playmaker restored order with a coldblooded triple that pushed Freego’s lead back to seven, 55-48, with 50.6 seconds left.
Eric Camson added 13 points for Freego, who missed the absence of swingman Alex Nuyles due to a nagging shoulder injury.
Sabellina paced the Waves with 14 points as go-to guy Glen Khobuntin was held to just eight points.
Freego led 48-36 to start the final period and built a 14-point margin, 36-22 at the half.