Gems rap Pirates, tie Giants at No. 4

MANILA, Philippines -   Cebuana Lhuillier took charge early and waylaid Bread Story-LPU, 90-78, yesterday to tie idle Jumbo Plastic at fourth in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Simon Enciso came off the bench to fire a game-high 24 points as the Gems dominated the Pirates from start to finish to nail their second straight win and sixth overall in 10 games.

Cebuana and Jumbo Plastic wind up their elims assisgnment on Thursday with the Gems taking on ousted MP Hotel (1-9) and the Giants battling MJM Builders (3-7). Jumbo Plastic, however, holds the advantage over the Gems via the winner-over-the-other rule for the twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.

Enciso made nine of 13 attempts, including four triples, helping power the Gems to a 43-31 lead at halftime.

The rugged guard stayed hot in the third quarter while teaming up with Bradwyn Guinto as Cebuana outscored Bread Story, 26-17, to rip the game apart.

Giovannie Jalalon tallied 19 points and Louie Vigil added 11 for the Pirates, who had their two-game run snapped and fell to 4-6.

In the second game, Café France routed Wangs Basketball, 68-50, to close out the elims round with a 9-2 record. The Bakers have secured their place in the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.