CEBUANA Lhuillier defeated Cagayan Valley, 63-54, on Tuesday to stay alive but the Gems still need to wait to learn their fate in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Gems, behind Jelo Montecastro and Raymond Aguilar’s 13 points, scored their sixth win in 11 tries to end their elimination round campaign.
With the win, the Gems joined the Rising Suns and Big Chill at fifth place with a 6-5 win-loss record as the quarterfinal picture remained uncertain with one playdate left in the eliminations.
The third to sixth-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals with the highest records having twice-to-beat advantages.
June Dizon finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while JR Buensuceso had 11 points for the Gems, which recovered after trailing, 21-27, at the half.
“We played tight in the first half so we just went back to basics and play simple basketball,” said Cebuana Lhuiller coach Beaujing Acot.
Mark Bringas added 13 points and 17 rebounds for Cagayan Valley.
The scores:
Cebuana Lhuillier (63) – Montecastro 13, Aguilar 13, Dizon 12, Buensuceso 11, Banal 5, Martinez 3, Bautista 2, Zamar 2, Lopez 2, Mirza 0, Padilla 0, Sarangay 0.
Cagayan Valley (54) – Bringas 13, Canta 9, Cruz 6, Celada 6, Webb 4, Poligrates 4, Melano 4, Mercader 3, Exciminiano 3, Lao 2, Matute 0.
Quarterscores: 6-12; 21-27; 46-43; 63-54.
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