D-League: Wizards, Gems make semifinals

MANILA—It was a breeze for PC GILMORE and a struggle for Cebuana Lhuillier yesterday as they advanced to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Wizards, starring Carlo Lastimosa, roared ahead by 18 at halftime then cruised past the Pharex Bidang Generix, 92-77, in the first of the knockout double-header.

The Gems then relied on Allein Maliksi and Pari Llagas in key stretches to turn back  the rallying Freego Jeans, 71-64.

“I have to give credit to Freego, they were changing their defensive looks,” said Gems coach Luigi Trillo.

Lastimosa finished with a game-high 20 points, most of them in the first half which the Wizards took at 53-35.

Jam Cortes came up with a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards, while  had an all-around game of 15 markers, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Wizards.
The Falcons threatened in the second half with Alex Nuyles drilling nine points in an 11-2 run that pushed them within 48-46.

But Benedict Fernandez and Marvin Hayes also stepped up late in the game to keep the Gems afloat in the closing minutes.

The scores:
First Game
PC GILMORE 92—Lastimosa 20, Cortes 17, Mangahas 15, Acosta 14,  Agas 8, Vidal 8, Magbanua 4, Dysam 4, Parala 2, Sinco 0, Sarangay 0.
PHAREX 77—Montillo 12, Asoro 11, Taylor 10, Tecson 9, Aguilar 9, Losentes 7, Viernes 6, Morial 4, Adolfo 4, Mangahas 3, Siruma 2, Cabosce 0.
Quarters: 32-17, 53-35, 72-51, 92-77
Second Game
C. LHUILLIER 71—Maliksi 25, Llagas 17, Fernandez 11,  Hayes 8, Mepana 7, Lee 2, Alas 1, Sena 0, Nabong 0, Semira 0, Elinon 0.
FREEGO JEANS 64—Nuyles 15, Alvarez 15, Canada 13, Camson 7, Namucatcat 6, Colina 3, Morillo 2, Lozada 0, Cabrera 0, Galinato,
Olalia 0, Ferreria 0
Quarters: 26-19, 42-35, 57-49, 71-64