Freego upends Cebuana

MANILA, Philippines – Eric Camson pumped in all his 14 points in the second half and Austin Manyara also shone in the clutch as Freego Jeans stunned Cebuana Lhuillier, 71-66, to claim the solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the JRU gym.

The Jeans Makers, who nearly blew a 12-point cushion, 60-48, in the final seven minutes, streaked to their fourth straight victory while pinning a first loss on the Gems.

Manyara, a Kenyan center from Adamson, buried four points to push the Jeans Makers ahead at 66-64, with just 75 seconds left after the Gems rallied behind Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo.

“I’m happy to see my players perform in this kind of game,” said Freego coach Leo Austria.

Earlier, Erwin Cornejo fueled Boracay Rum’s strong start and the Waves went on to rout the Cobra Energy Drink, 70-56.

Cornejo fired 12 of his game-high 16 points in the first half to give the Waves a 35-22 lead at the half.

The scores:

First Game

BORACAY RUM 70—Cornejo 16, Siruma 12, Sabellina 11, Khobuntin 11, Bandaying 8, Abaya 5, Hermosisima 3, Eguilos 2, Baloran 2, Morial 0, Terso 0, De Guzman 0.

COBRA ENERGY DRINK 56—Nimes 11, Zablan 9, Cubo 6, Cortez 6, Enguio 4, Alas 4, Noble 3, Casajeros 3, Flores 3, Stevens 3, Duran 2, Santos 2, Ko 0, Belorio 0.

Quarters: 23-9, 35-22, 57-40, 70-56

Second Game

FREEGO JEANS 71—Camson 14, Manyara 12, Austria 11, Lopez 8, Sumalinog 8, Lozada 5, Elinon 5, Alvarez 5, Brondial 2, Cañada 1, Apinan 0, Rios 0.

CEBUANA LHUILLIER 66—Manuel 21, Romeo 13, Llagas 12, Alas 11, Celada 5, Cruz 2, Reyes 2, Mangahas 0, Hayes 0, Almazan 0, Excimiano 0, Jeffries 0.

Quarters: 11-18, 29-29, 54-46, 71-66