Gems smother Bakers, firm up lead

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier clobbered Café France behind a big second quarter blitz as it stormed to a 93-66 romp and firmed up its lead heading to the holiday break in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

The Gems needed just 20 minutes to dispose of the Bakers, outscoring their rivals, 24-4, in the second period to post a 46-18 bulge at the turn en route to the victory, their fifth straight for a league-leading 8-1 slate, 2 ½ games ahead of Freego Jeans.

Vic Manuel fired 16 points,Terrence Romeo had 15 and Jai Reyes added 13 markers for the Gems, who virtually nailed the first automatic semifinal berth in the league, which takes a three-week break.

“For us to be in this position and considering that we have 11 new players is already an achievement for us. But of course, our focus now is our upcoming game against NLEX on Jan. 12. We have to win that game just in case Freego Jeans sweeps its remaining matches,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo.

Cebuana Lhuillier wraps up its elims campaign against Foundation Cup champion NLEX on Jan 12.

Trillo said he will give his wards an 11-day break to celebrate the holidays. They will resume practice on Dec. 26.

After taking a 22-14 lead in the opening quarter, the Gems imposed their will in the second, holding the Bakers to just four points on 2 of 18 shooting while pouring in a series of baskets of their own.

Mon Mabayo shot 23 points to show the way for Café France, which fell to 2-5.

Earlier, Carmelo Lim and Mark Cagoco buried back-to-back triples in the closing minutes as PC Gilmore trounced Cobra Energy Drink, 74-64, for its second win against five losses.

The treys capped an 11-0 run that broke a 53-all count and put the Wizards way out in front after the two teams battled to six deadlocks and six lead changes.

But to gain a crack at the last quarterfinal seat, PC Gilmore must sweep its last three games against DUB Unlimited, Blackwater and Boracay Rum after the Christmas break.

AJ Mandani tallied 17 points, Cagoco contributed 16 markers and Mark Sarangay had 16 rebounds for the Wizards, who outscored the Iron Men, 21-11, in the last 4:34 minutes of the match.

Both teams actually struggled in offense with PC Gilmore making just 24 of 61 attempts (39 percent) and Cobra shooting 24 of 81 (30 percent).

John Sumido led Cobra Energy Drink with 16 points, Josan Nimes chipped in 15 markers while Jam Cortes scored 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Iron Men, who fell to 1-8.