PBA D-League: Waves turn back Giants

Macky Acosta vs Raymond Ilagan and Ezer Rosopa. Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines —Boracay Rum turned things around in the second half to blow out Jumbo Plastic, 87-67, Tuesday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Jeff Viernes knocked in 16 of his game-high 18 points in the second half including a five straight points to end the third quarter as the Waves (1-1) broke free from a close game.

“Nataon lang siguro na yung nakalaban namin hindi pa masyadong nagje-jell. Ang sama ng depensa namin nung first half. Defense ang talagang kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin,” said Boracay Rum head coach Lawrence Chongson.

The Giants took a slim, 38-37, lead into halftime but the Waves were a different team coming out in the second half.

Aljon Mariano and Marvin Hayes, who had eight points apiece in the first half were limited to just 10 points combined over the final two quarters.

The Waves pulled away late in the third period as it built a double-digit lead after a basket by Jaymo Eguilos made it, 58-48, with 1:08 left.

Boracay Rum was far from done as Viernes scored five unanswered points in the final seconds of the pivotal third quarter-a floater and a wild three-pointer off a steal-as the buzzer sounded.

The Waves’ momentum carried over into the final frame as their lead grew thanks to their hot-shooting from deep.

Viernes made a three before Roider Cabrera followed it up with a pair of long bombs that put the game out of reach, 78-60, with 4:10 remaining.

Mariano finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Giants, who dropped to 1-1.