MANILA, Philippines - Boracay Rum Waves snapped a two-game skid with a 73-63 victory over National U-Banco de Oro while Jumbo Plastic demolished Zambales M-Builders, 80-62, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City yesterday.
The Waves took control in the second half but nearly squandered a 15-point lead late in the fourth with Mark Belo and Roider Cabrera stepping up in the clutch to secure the victory.
Belo hit a triple while Cabrera completed a rare four-point play as the Waves held off the Bulldogs to even their card at 2-2 after absorbing frustrating defeats against Blackwater Sports and Café France.
Belo made nine of 12 attempts and finished with 20 points to share scoring honors with Chris Banchero, who also dished seven assists and had three steals.
Later in the day, the Giants also seized control in the second half but needed a barrage of three-pointers during a 20-12 run to secure their third win in four games.
Elliot Tang and Karl Dehesa scored 16 points apiece and combined for six of 10 shooting from the long range. Jan Colina grabbed 11 rebounds as Jumbo Plastic dominated the boards, 50-38.
“We need this win to stay within sight of the leaders. I feel good to get back again on the winning track,†said Jumbo Plastic coach Steve Tiu.
The Builders fell to 2-3.
“Chemistry is still an issue for the team. I thought that played a factor in our two losses. With three key players in the team (Belo, Banchero and Jerald Bautista) I expected that. But we’re addressing the problem little by little,†said Boracay Rum coach Lawrence Chongson.