Games Thursday Ynares Arena, Pasig City
12 n.n. – MP Hotel vs Cebuana Lhuillier
2 p.m. – MJM Builders vs Jumbo Plastic
4 p.m. – Hapee vs Cagayan Valley
Cebuana Lhuillier used a strong first half to topple Bread Story-LPU, 90-78 on Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Simon Enciso scored a game-high 24 points off the bench and the Gems showed a lot of grit and determination to dominate the Pirates. With their second straight win and sixth overall in 10 games, they tied idle Jumbo Plastic for the coveted fourth spot.
The two teams wind up their elimination round assignment on Thursday with Cebuana Lhuillier taking on MP Hotel (1-9) and Jumbo Plastic facing MJM Builders (3-7). The Giants hold the advantage over the Gems on the strength of the winner-over-the-other rule and will earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals in case of a tie.
“The boys really want to win. Pero dapat consistent ang effort namin every game. Hindi kami dapat umasa sa ibang team because the games are a lot tougher in the quarters,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boycie Zamar.
Enciso made nine of 13 attempts including four 3-pointers while Kenneth Acibar added 10 points apiece for the Gems, who had a 43-31 advantage at halftime.
The rugged guard stayed hot in the third quarter while teaming up with Bradwyn Guinto as Cebuana outscored Bread Story, 26-17, to rip the game apart.
Giovannie Jalalon tallied 19 points and Louie Vigil added 11 for the Pirates, who had their two-game run snapped and fell to 4-6.
Despite the loss, the Pirates could still advance to the quarterfinal round should Tanduay Light (4-6) drop its game against AMA University (3-7) later in the day.
In the second game, Café France routed Wangs Basketball, 68-50, to close out the elimination round with a 9-2 record. The Bakers have secured their place in the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.
Ryan Celso and Joseph Sedurifa scored each scored 14 points for the Bakers, who played without starting center Rodrigue Ebondo because of injury.
Macky Acosta tallied 17 points to show the way for the Couriers, who fell to 2-8.