MANILA, Philippines — Cebuana Lhuillier banked on an inspired fourth quarter run to survive Air21-JRU and save its PBA D-League Aspirants Cup stint Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Gems overhauled a 10-point deficit at the tailend of the third quarter, then seized a slim lead over the Bombers, but it was just enough to carry them to the quarterfinals.
“We were anticipating the game will be that close. We managed to match the intensity,” said an elated coach Beaujing Acot after the game.
Guard James Martinez, who earned Acot’s praises, took charge in the payoff period even as the Gems drew solid contributions from Rexander Leynes, Jesses Bustos and James Mangahas.
Martinez poured nine of his 16 points in the payoff period, helping Cebuana Lhuillier chip away JRU’s lead — slowly but surely.
Bustos and Leynes combined to grab the lead 60-58 with 7:09 to go, and the Gems never looked back from there.
Mangahas, who added 10 points, scored on a putback off Raymond Aguilar’s miss then made two freethrows to give Cebuana Lhuillier a 77-71 breathing room with 33.7 seconds left.
The Bombers gave up 30 points in the fourth quarter — not helping their cause in clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Instead, they stayed at fifth place.
Dexter Maiquez finished with a game-best 17 points, along with six rebounds, while Jeckster Apinan added 12 for JRU.