Gems edge Waves in Foundation Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines – Cebuana Lhuillier banked on its new acquisitions to edge Boracay Rum 68-66 in the opener of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the San Juan Arena.

Ex-Cafe France forward Alvin Padilla scattered 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and a block while Gerald Bautista, who played with Informatics last conference, added 10 points and three assists.

“Kinuha lang namin yung na-feel namin na missing link namin so we acquired Alvin Padilla and Gerald Bautista,” said Cebuana head coach Beaujing Acot.

Mainstays James Martinez, Gab Banal and Jessie Bustos had seven points apiece for the Gems, who trailed by as much as 10 early in the game.

“Very inconsistent kami in terms of offense na defense. I have to give credit to coach Lawrence ang ganda ng adjustment niya,” said Acot.

Martinez sank a crucial trey that put Cebuana Lhuillier on top 64-61 with 2:43 left. Bustos kept the Gems in the lead with an inside basket followed by a free throw for a 67-65 lead with 12.5 seconds left.

Jaymo Eguilos had the game on his hands but missed a couple of gimmes that would have tied it at 67.

“We were lucky again, sana naman magtuloy tuloy. I guess we were able to make stops in the last two minutes. Ang hirap pigilan ng team nila kasi mayroon silang Bandaying and Cabrera. Ang ganda din ng shooting nila in the first half. We had problems stopping their bigs,” added Acot.

The Gems though will need more than just luck in their next two games against Fruitas and NLEX.

“Sinabi namin how important this game is kasi ang lakas ng Fruitas and NLEX eh. We don’t want to go 0-3 to start. Para sa akin contender yan (Fruitas).”

Roider Cabrera had 13 points for the Waves but failed to tie the game at the line as he made just one of his three attempts with 45.1 ticks left.

McLean Sabellina added a double-double with 12 points, including a tip in that tied it at 64, and 10 rebounds to go along with two blocks.