ALex Nuyles (light/EA Regens) vs Aljon MAriano. Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Nuyles and Raymund Almazan paced EA Regen in a 105-79 triumph over Jumbo Plastic Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Delta methodically ended the Giants’ quarterfinal hopes, using a pivotal 22-3 run in the second quarter and pull away for good.
The victory boosted EA Regen’s bid for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, given to the third and fourth seeds at the end of eliminations.
“We really prepared for this game. We needed to win, because having that twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals is a big thing,” said EA Regen coach Allan Trinidad in Filipino.
Nuyles, a late addition to the Delta after transferring from Big Chill, finished with 21 big points off the bench, while Almazan added 17 markers and 15 boards.
Both players have voiced out intentions of joining the 2013 PBA D-League Rookie Draft late this year.
EA Regen, which improved to 6-4 tied with Cagayan Valley, also drew 16 points from Ian Sangalang and 15 from former Brgy. Ginebra player Jimbo Aquino.
Aljon Mariano and Karl Dehesa, meanwhile, chipped in 15 each for Jumbo Plastic, which had its 3-game win streak snapped.
With their sixth setback along with four wins, the Giants fell further away from the quarterfinal hopefuls and down to the 10th spot.