MANILA, Philippines—Terrence Romeo poured 16 of his 24 points in the last two periods to power Cebuana Lhuillier to a 76-63 drubbing of Boracay Rum that boosted the Gems to top spot Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the San Juan Gym.
The Far Eastern U guard joined forces with versatile big man Vic Manuel in the second half as the Gems overhauled an early deficit on their way to their seventh win in eight games.
Manuel hit six points in an 8-0 burst to end the third period, while Romeo drilled in two key triples in the fourth quarter to put the game beyond the Waves’ reach.
Earlier, PC Gilmore, nursing slim hopes of making the quarterfinals, completed a remarkable comeback from 18 points down to stun Cafe France, 82-80.
The Wizards drew superb efforts from Mark Acosta and Eugene Torres in the final period to nail their first win in six games.
The Waves fell to sixth spot—the last berth to the quarterfinals—with a 4-4 record, while the Bakers absorbed their fourth loss in six games although they still have an outside chance of making the playoffs.
“We were able to settle down and make some stops in the second half,” said Gems coach Luigi Trillo.
Jai Reyes also played a key role, leading the Gems’ offense to finish with 14 points while dishing out a tournament-high 10 assists.
The Gems pounced on the departure of Stephen Siruma, who fouled out with 2:53 left in the third quarter, to extend a 51-48 advantage to 11 points behind Manuel.
The Waves came within, 54-61, before Romeo buried a triple with 4:10 remaining. The FEU guard, who was called for a technical foul for second motion against Siruma in the third period, nailed another trey with two minutes remaining to push the Gems’ lead, 68-56.
The scores:
First Game
PC GILMORE 82—Acosta 15, Vidal 14, Cagoco 13, Sarangay 9, Celiz 9, Torres 8, Taha 7, Foronda 3, Nabong 2, Mandani 2.
CAFE FRANCE 80—Viernes 30, Guillen 12, Orbeta 10, Parala 8, Montilla 6, Dumapig 5, Mabayo 4, Lucernas 3, Alquisalas 2, Magbitang 0, Lamosa 0, Abundo 0.
Quarters: 17-21, 32-36, 53-70, 82-80
Second Game
C. LHUILLIER 76—Romeo 24, Manuel 19, Reyes 14, Jeffries 6, Mangahas 4, Celada 3, Taha 2, Hayes 2, Cruz 2, Atkins 0.
BORACAY RUM 63—Bandaying 15, Eguilos 12, Sabellina 7, Siruma 6, Hermosisima 5, Cornejo 4, Khobuntin 4, Rosopa 4, Baloran 2, Morial 2, Abaya 2.
Quarters: 17-19, 29-33, 59-48, 76-63