Dexter Maiquez vs Paolo Taha. PBA/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Boracay Rum finally ended its winless spell as it tripped Air 21 JRU 63-53 in the 2012 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at the Trinity University Gym in Quezon City.
Toto Bandaying and Roider Cabrera unleashed three treys in the fourth quarter to help the Wavs create separation en route to their first win of the conference.
Cabrera had 16 points — all but one from downtown — while Bandaying and Jaymo Eguilos shared 10 points apiece for Boracay.
And for head coach Lawrence Chiongson, the victory was just what Boracay Rum needed before this year ends.
“Pag 0-5 ang team, alam na ng players ang kailangan nilang gawin. Tiyaga-tiyaga na lang,” said Chiongson, who recently acquired the service of point guard Marcy Arellano.
“Although he’s out of game shape, malaking bagay sya for his leadership,” said Chiongson of Arellano, who had two points, seven rebounds and five dimes.
The Waves were in front most of the way, and quickly recovered when they lost the lead in the third quarter.
No Heavy Bomber finished in double-digits but JRU was able to stay away from a blowout despite scoring just six in the fourth quarter.
Byron Villarias led with nine markers, as he also gave the Heavy Bombers the lead since the opening quarter, 42-40, with 6:05 in the third.
JRU, which only made one trey compared to Boracay’s seven, dropped to 1-4.