MANILA, Philippines—Jim Viray made his final game with RnW Pacific Pipes a memorable one.
Finding his rhythm in the second half, Viray pumped in 23 points to lead the Steel Masters to a runaway 74-59 victory over the Cobra Energy Drink Ironmen Tuesday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the San Juan Arena.
The former San Sebastian Stag, who is set to leave for Australia for personal reasons, buried six triples and a key three-point play in the last two quarters to power the Steel Masters, who stayed in the hunt for a playoff berth by improving to 4-3.
“It’s a fitting tribute game for Jim (Viray),” said RnW coach Topex Robinson, whose squad broke away in the second quarter by outscoring Cobra, 26-9.
Later, Big Chill snapped Boracay Rum’s three-game winning run with an 85-75 drubbing.
Jopher Custodio fired 28 points, including six in the last 48 seconds as the Super Chargers rallied from 10 points down in the final seven minutes to claim their fifth win in eight outings.
It was a resounding comeback for the Super Chargers, who lost 46-78 to Freego Jeans last Thursday.
“We really wanted to bounce back from this game,” said Big Chill coach Arsenio Dysangco. “Its a good thing guys like Jopher (Custodio) and Jerry (Glorioso) stepped up.”
The scores:
First Game
PACIFIC PIPES 74—Viray 23, Ilagan 14, Buensuceso 11, Zulueta 6, Racal 5, Delgado 4, Dela Cruz 3, Sanvictores 2, Importante 2, Miranda 2, Maiquez 2, Antonio 0.
COBRA 59—Cortes 16, Enguio 16, Noble 14, Cubo 4, Sumido 3, Stevens 3, Casajeros 2, Nimes 1, Zablan 0,Flores 0, Tagarda 0.
Quarters: 14-15, 36-24, 57-46, 74-59
Second Game
BIG CHILL 85—Custodio 28, Collado 14, Glorioso 13, Reyes 8, Jensen 8, Galinato 4, Maconocido 4, Dizon 2, Tan 2, Santos 2, Mallari 0.
BORACAY RUM 75—Sabellina 25, Bandaying 15, Khobuntin 13, Baloran 4, Eguilos 4, Siruma 4, Morial 2, Abaya 1, Terso 1, Rosopa 0, De Guzman 0, Cornejo 0.
Quarters: 20-20, 40-33, 57-64, 85-75