Gabb Banal vs Marion Magat. PBA D-LEAGUE/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Paul Zamar and June Dizon teamed up in the final quarter to help Cebuana Lhuillier beat Cafe France, 76-68, Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Zamar unleashed 11 of his 13 fourth-quarter points in the crucial 2:14 span to lead the Gems’ 18-0 tear, erasing a 56-61 deficit.
“Sila (Zamar and Dizon) naman talaga inaasahan namin. Sila talaga main guys namin down the stretch,” said Cebuana head coach Beaujing Acot.
The former University of the East standout finished with 17 points while Dizon had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Acot said his team is still in the process of knowing each other’s tendencies on offense.
“Suwerte nakalustot. ’Di ko pa naiintindihan nangyayari sa’min. When to pass and when not to pass. Nandun yung intention pero di yun yung gusto namin mangyari,” he said. “Kailangan pa siguro namin maging patient but the players are really working hard.”
The Gems trailed by 10, 34-44, at one point in the third period but was able to battle back and cut it to three, 46-43, entering the final frame.
Jan Jamon uncorked a three to put the Bakers ahead, 61-56, with 5:16 remaining.
Cafe France, though, failed to sustain its strong play with a slew of miscues on both ends, allowing Cebuana Lhuillier to grab the momentum.
The Gems took the lead for good after a Zamar triple before drilling in another deflating three to put the game away, 74-61, with 2:00 left.
The Bakers and Gems now have identical 2-2 records.