By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Monday
(JCSGO Gym, Cubao)
2 p.m. – AMA Online vs Batangas-EAC
4 p.m. – Gamboa Coffee Mix vs JRU
Playing true to its potential in the second half, Zark’s Burgers came through with an avalanche of baskets and romped past Mila’s Lechon, 102-55, yesterday to sustain its winning ways in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
Cameroon import Mike Nzeusseu delivered his usual numbers of 15 points and 10 rebounds while ace guard CJ Perez only had nine points and five rebounds but the Jawbreakers drew strong support from their shock troopers to dominate the Mighty Roasters after the turn.
It was the fifth straight victory in six tries for the Bernard Yang-managed Jawbreakers, thanks to the 55-point production from their bench mob led by the Marcelino twins, Jaycee and Jayvee, who combined for 20 points plus several hustle plays on the defensive end.
The Mighty Roasters, led by skipper Ken Acibar’s 18 points, ended up empty-handed for the fourth straight time after they chased the Jawbreakers’ shadows throughout the second half and appeared not interested at all in putting the ball into the hoop.
“I told my players you’re so blessed to be in this team that nurtures respect for the game. It’s just a matter of being grateful,” said Zark’s Burger coach Topex Robinson, who even instructed the Jawbreakers to milk the shotclock in the final minutes, with the result already beyond doubt.
“Basketball has been good to us. We wanna give back to basketball. The people here came to watch us play so we’re here to give them what they came here for. We’re gonna play our brand of basketball no matter if they don’t wanna play basketball.”
It wasn’t the case at the start – at least in the first half. The Mighty Roasters showed up ready to play as they scored six straight points and forced the Jawbreakers to turn the ball over twice in the first 90 seconds, forcing Robinson to sue for time.
A bucket by Acibar gave Mila’s Lechon an 11-3 cushion, before the Marcelino twins checked in and, as expected, changed the complexion of the game as Zark’s Burgers started to regain its bearings on a fast-paced tempo.