Calvin hayes (dark/jumbo) vs mark Beniteza and Jeric Teng PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE / Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Jumbo Plastic weathered a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Informatics to win 80-75 Monday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Giants saw their 15-point lead dwindle down to just one, 76-75, after a drive by Jeric Teng with still 1:31 remaining.
“Lagi kaming good start then afterward kinakapos,” said Jumbo Plastic head coach Steve Tiu.
Fortunately for Jumbo Plastic, which won its second game against five losses, it made stops down the stretch with Teng missing his last two attempts from long range that would’ve forged overtime.
“Mas gusto namin manalo this time. Pinaghandaan talaga namin ito (We wanted to win this time. We prepared for this game),” added Tiu.
Marvin Hayes had 17 points while Jason Escueta recorded 13 points, including a mid-range jumper from the right corner that gave the Giants a 78-75 breathing room with 1:08 left, and grabbed nine rebounds.
Teng topscored anew with 21 points but took 20 shots from the field and missed 12 of them. Rocky Acidre added 17 points for the Icons, who remained winless after six outings.