Gem of a defense saves Jewellers

Montana Pawnshop made up for its second quarter sloppiness with a resolute defense in the final half as it scuttled PharmaQuick, 60-46, yesterday to remain at second place in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum yesterday.

Welcoat Paints unleashed a barrage of three-pointers in the second half as it extended its amazing run to five games at the expense of pacesetter Shark Energy Drink, 64-56, in the second game.

The Jewellers squandered an early 11-point lead but regained control and went on to check a two-game slump by making crucial adjustments on defense in the last two quarters.

The Jewellers banked on Gilbert Lao on offense as they dealt the Drug Specialists their sixth loss in seven outings.

Lao scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half with Orly Torrente and Randy Calimag firing 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Rookie Jay Lapinid turned in a decent game with 15 points but he didn’t get the needed support from his teammates.

Montana committed 29 turnovers but dominated the boards with 52 rebounds to Pharma Quick’s 43. — Joey Villar