‘Love wins’ for Zark’s

Zark’s Burger-Lyceum fought back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter with a strong finishing kick to hammer out a 92-82 victory over Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian and snare the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Conference MVP CJ Perez showed his heart and uncorked 26 points, six rebounds, and eight steals as he anchored the Jawbreakers’ fight-back from a 49-63 hole.

Zark’s used a killer 21-4 rally to open the payoff period to take an 85-74 lead with 4:06 to play.

“I just told them that love wins, that as long as we love each other and trust each other, we’ll win,” said coach Topex Robinson.

Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu also imposed his will down low with his 28 points and 18 boards, while MJ Ayaay once again was a stabilizing force for his squad with his 14 points.

With the victory, Zark’s-Lyceum completed one of the most improbable championship runs in PBA D-League history as it became the lowest-ranked team to claim the throne.

The Jawbreakers bounced back from an erratic first half, forcing the Revellers to commit 18 turnovers in the ensuing frames as their defense led to 36 points off turnovers.

“I just told the players that we know, there are people praying for us. You’re inspiring people and you’re doing that by not just giving up,” said Robinson.

Michael Calisaan led Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian with 17 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Alfred Batino and Ryan Costelo both had 12 in the heartbreaking defeat.