Kirk Del Rosario vs John Lopez. PBA D-LEAGUE/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Head coach Vergel Meneses couldn’t do much but smile at the thought his team Air21-JRU would’ve easily had a 3-0 record.
Nonetheless, the Heavy Bombers finally barged into the win column after an 86-74 win over winless Informatics Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“We’re still developing our character in the end game,” said Meneses. “At least kahit papaano we won by 12 points.”
JRU came close to pulling off back-to-back upsets in its first two games against powerhouse teams Big Chill and NLEX.
The Bombers suffered a one-point loss to the Superchargers on a buzzer beater before falling short against NLEX, 87-91.
JRU trailed by 10 in the second quarter before coming into its senses in the latter half.
“Nung first half ang sama ng laro, siguro iniisip nila kayang kaya nila Informatics; buti nung second half nag-pick up ang intensity,” said Meneses.
Inside operator Dexter Maiquez shook off an early slump to finish with 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half, on top of eight rebounds.
JRU pulled away midway through the final quarter after five unanswered points from Alex Almario.
Almario sank a long jumper from the top of the key before completing a three-point play that stretched JRU’s lead to eight, 73-65, with 4:40 left.
Jeckster Apinan equaled Maiquez’ output with 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Icons, led by Marvin Hayes’ 15 points, dropped their fourth straight setback in as many games—joining Boracay Rum at the bottom of the standings with identical records.