Maiquez fuels Giants surge past Gems

MANILA, Philippines -  Dexter Maiquez came off the bench to fire 14 points, including two triples in the stretch, as Jumbo Plastic turned back Cebuana Lhuillier, 63-61, to wrest the early solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

The Giants blew an early double-digit spread and fell behind in the closing minutes but closed out with a decisive 15-7 run to snatch the win, their second straight for the early lead in the league’s season-opening conference featuring 11 teams.

Maiquez, who failed to find his range in the first three quarters, finally got his rhythm and touch in the clutch as the Giants held off the Gems’ late charge. Cebuana dropped to 1-1.

“I just tried to dominate as what coach told me to do, but I just got lucky,” said Maiquez, who also had nine rebounds.

Mark Cruz chipped in 10 points and had four assists for the Giants, whose reserves outscored the Gems, 47-25.

Powerhouse Hapee Toothpaste kicked off its drive with a resounding 69-61 victory over AMA University as National U star Troy Rosario and former UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks combined for 23 points and Garvo Lanete dished out a double-double game.

Rosario, one of the key figures of NU’s title romp in this year’s UAAP, went six-of-eight from the field and finished with 12 points while Parks had 11 markers for the Fresh Fighters, who led by as many as 20 points.

AJ Mandani hit a reverse shot with 3.4 remaining to lift Tanduay Light to a pulsating 78-77 victory against MJM Builders in the third game.