Games Monday Marikina Sports Complex
2 p.m. – Racal Motors vs Bread Story-Lyceum
4 p.m. – Cagayan Valley vs Wangs Basketball
Jumbo Plastic closed out the eliminations with 88-80 victory over MJM Builders and clinched the coveted number four seeding heading to the quarterfinals of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City on Thursday.
Philip Paniamogan had a double-double off the bench with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Giants, who got solid contribution from its second unit to put away the Builders in a game they can’t afford to lose.
In the process, the Giants earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals which start Thursday next week.
“Besides the victory, this game is so important to us because we are trying to build some confidence and momentum going to the quarters,” said Jumbo Plastic coach Stevenson Tiu.
“I thought my bigs are still out of sync. So it’s a concern. Hopefully, they’ll pick up their rhythm in time.”
Watching the Giants get away with the win was a big blow for the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, who had hoped to make it to the Top 4 after blasting MP Hotel, 93-62, in the first game.
Jumbo Plastic and Cebuana Lhuillier finished the elimination round tied at 7-4 record. But the Giants hold the advantage between the two teams on the strength of the winner over the other rule.
Jumbo Plastic defeated Cebuana Lhuillier, 63-61 in the elims. They will have their rematch in the next round.
“That result doesn’t mean anything at this point. Cebuana is playing well of late so we have to stay focused,” Tiu said.
Juami Tiongson tallied 11 points while Joseph Terso and Jan Colina each scored 10 points off the bench for the Giants, who dominated the glass, 61-40.
Jumbo’s second unit outscored Cebuana’s, 59-41.
Glenn Khobuntin finished with a game-high 21 points. Gelo Alolino and Raymar Jose added 10 points apiece for the Builders, who finished the eliminations with a 3-8 mark.
Jumbo Plastic broke a 14-all tie and took the lead for good with a 14-4 run bridging the first and second quarters. The Giants led by as many as 46-30 at the start of the third quarter.
Scores:
CEBUANA 93 – Torres 22, Vosotros 13, Baustista 12, A. Mangahas 10, Lopez 8, Ferrer 6, Guinto 6, Enciso 5, Villahermosa 5, Zamar 3, Acibar 2, Sarangay 1, Banal 0, J. Mangahas 0.
MP HOTEL 62 – Escosio 11, Jamon 11, Quiro 9, Allen 8, Celda 7, Palma 7, Collado 4, Yusop 3, Yaya 2, Hainga 0, Landicho 0.
Quarters: 19-11; 44-30; 71-51; 93-62.
JUMBO PLASTIC 88 – Paniamogan 20, Tiongson 11, Terso 10, Colina 10, Eguilos 8, Rios 7, Villamor 6, Javier 5, Sabellina 4, Cruz 3, Maiquez 3, Magat 1, Rosales 0, Petilos 0.
MJM BUILDERS 80 – Khobuntin 21, Alolino 10, Jose 10, Tolomia 9, Alberto 8, Pogoy 5, Cruz 4, Inigo 4, Mendoza 3, Neypes 3, Ignacio 3, Javelona 0, Perez 0.
Quarters: 19-14; 44-30; 66-57; 88-80.