MANILA, Philippines -- Dexter Maiquez poured all but two of his 17 points in the second half and the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers intensified their defense in the last 24 minutes to beat winless Informatics, 86-74, Thursday for their first win in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After a sloppy first half and playing catch up for three quarters, the Heavy Bombers outscored The Icons, 29-17 in the fourth quarter for their breakthrough win after opening the season with two heart-breaking defeats against Big Chill and defending champion NLEX.
“We played a terrible first half. Wala kaming intensity. They guys thought they can beat Informatics by just showing up,” offered JRU coach Vergel Meneses.
“We are two rebounds away from winning our first two games. But we couldn’t get the job done. At least the players learned from it. It thought those two defeats also developed their character,” he added.
In the other game, Paul Zamar teamed up with June Dizon in the final four minutes as Cebuana Lhuillier rallied to beat Café France, 76-68, and snapped a two-game slump.
The duo combined to complete an 18-point run as the Gems (2-2) overhauled a six-point deficit and pulled ahead, 74-61, with two minutes remaining.
“We struggled but at least we’re out of a slump. This is just what we’re praying for… to get back into the win column. Hopefully, we could keep this up against Cagayan on Tuesday,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Beaujing Acot.
Zamar eventually finished with 17 points, 13 of them in the fourth. He had 11 in that crucial run including two 3s.
Raymond Aguilar, who carried the Gem early in the fourth, contributed 12 points, Jopher Custodio had 11 and Dizon added 10 and 11 rebounds.
It was a tough loss for the Bakers, who appeared to have the game in control until they went scoreless over a span of three-minutes late in the fourth.
Roger Pugoy led Café France with 19 points. Jens Knuttel had 15 and MichaEL Parala added 12 and nine boards for the Bakers, who tied Cebuana and Erase Xfoliant at 2-2.
After Khazim Mirza gave JRU a 59-57 lead to open the fourth quarter, Roser Mangahas scored on a fall away shot in the ensuing play for the game’s 10th and last deadlock with 9:05 to play before the Heavy Bombers went on a 7-0 run to take control.
Maiquez, who made six of 11 field goal attempts, completed a three-point play then John Villarias scored off a rebound then fed Michael Miranda for a layup as the Heavy Bombers surged ahead to stay.
“This is good confidence boost for us heading to Monday’s game against Blackwater Sports,” Meneses said.
Jeckster Apinan also tallied 17 points to share scoring honors with Maiquez. Alex Almario scored 11, had four assists and three steals for JRU, which outrebounded Informatics, 56-34.
Marvin Hayes scored 15 points for Informatics, which tied idle Boracay Rum in the cellar with 0-4 mark. Guards Kojak Melegrito combined for 23 points but their poor leadership and erratic play in the stretch spoiled the Icons’ cause.
JRU made just 5 of 13 shots and turned the ball over eight times in the first quarter as the Icons opened a 14-4 lead. Both teams finished with 35 turnovers.
Apinan scored six points to spark an 8-4 run as the Heavy Bombers took a 27-25 lead early in the second quarter. But Informatics quickly responded with a 14-5 run of their own and returned to the locker room with a 39-32 lead at lemon time.
The Icons still led 47-41 midway in the third quarter when the Heavy Bombers stepped up the pressure forcing Informatics to 12 turnovers and tying the game at 57-57 going into the fourth quarter.
The scores:
JRU 86—Maiquez 17, Apinan 17, Almario 11, Pinto 8, Acidre 8, Villarias 6, Ighalo 6, Mirza 6, Lopez 5, Miranda 2, MAbulac 0.
Informatics 74 – Hayes 15, Melegrito 12, Del Rosario 11, Rogado 10, Cruz 8, Mangahas 6, Bautista 4, Benitez 4, Carlos 2, Marquez 2, Ibay 0, Sanghera 0.
Quarters: 19-21; 32-39; 57-57; 86-74
Second Game
Cebuana Lhuillier 76 – Zamar 17, Aguilar 12, Custodio 11, Dizon 10, Banal 6, Buensuceso 6, Sarangay 4, Tagarda 2, Mangahas 2, Bautista 2, Mabayo 2, Leybnes 2, Rowe 0.
Café France 68 – Pogoy 19, Knuttel 15, Parala 12, Mendoza 5, Jamon 5, Alas 4, Magbitang 3, Jureta 2, MaGAT 2, Antiouesto 1, Padilla 0, Gallardo 0.
Quarters: 6-13; 26-26; 43-46; 76-68