CEBUANA Lhuiller used a huge fourth-quarter run to beat Derulo Accelero, 90-86, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup on Monday at The Arena in San Juan, days after Boycie Zamar was relieved of his duties as University of the East head coach.
Bam Gamalinda sparked a torrid fourth-quarter start as the Gems fought back from a 14-point deficit to score its second win in as many games.
Derulo Accelero led 48-34 in the second quarter but sputtered as Cebuana Lhuillier started the fourth with a 12-2 run including nine from Gamalinda.
“Let’s face it, may tendency sila to relax, hindi puwede ’yun,” said Zamar. “’Yung mental toughness, wala doon. ’Yun ’yung isang problema namin if we are coming off a win. We have to be hungry for a win.”
The win came days after Zamar was fired as UE head coach, citing the need for a full-time mentor that will handle the Red Warriors.
Gamalinda finished with 22 points that was matched by Paul Zamar, who hit four-of-five from the 3-point line for the Gems.
James Martinez also fired four triples and finished with 18 points for Cebuana Lhuillier.
The Oilers, who had Jackson Corpuz topscoring with 21 points, fell to 0-2.
The scores:
Cebuana Lhuillier (90) – Gamalinda 22, Zamar 22, Zamar 18, Padilla 12, Arellano 12, Ilad 2, Sarangay 2, Leynes 0, J. Banal 0, Paredes 0, G. Banal 0.
Derulo Accelero (86) – Corpuz 21, Soyud 17, Bautista 13, Juico 10, Jalalon 9, Acosta 8, Mendoza 4, Importante 2, Morilo 2, Roncal 0.
Quarterscores: 21-22; 38-48; 67-70; 90-86.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph