Freego off to hot start, dismantles Gilmore

MANILA, Philippines - Freego Jeans dominated PC Gilmore from start to finish and came away with an 85-52 rout at the start of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Freego coach Leo Austria drew impressive games from his Adamson core of players and those from Ateneo, Jose Rizal University, Letran, DLSU and Rizal Technological University despite lack of practice and cohesion.

“John (Lopez) and Jeckster (Apinan) practiced with the team only yesterday (Wednesday) so to win big against PC Gilmore was really kind of unexpected,” said Austria.

“Usually, teams play relaxed in the first game. I’m so glad my players ran our plays methodically,” added Austria.

Blackwater Elite later joined Freego Jeans in the early lead, holding off a late charge by Boracay Rhum to score a 68-65 victory.

Rodney Brondial fired 12 points for Freego Jeans, which also drew 11 markers from Raymund Austria from Ateneo and 10 points apiece from Adamson teammates Lester Alvarez and Eric Camson.

PC Gilmore’s Mark Acosta led all scorers with 18 points.

Freego Jeans applied pressure defense early and scored on transition baskets, posting a 20-11 lead in the first quarter breaking the game wide-open in the second for a 37-17 bulge at the turn.

“We still have a long way to go but this is a good start,” said Austria.

PC Gilmore struggled without its two Fil-Ams in Alfred Mandani and Kelly Nabong, who are still processing their documents for clearance to play in the fledgling league.

Freego Jeans posted its biggest lead at 78-34 late in the fourth quarter.

Like Freego, Blackwater wrested control early but unlike the Adamson-led team, wavered in the second half, needing to call on Neil Pascual to check the Elite impending skid.

Pascual scored seven of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch three-point play in the last 40 seconds to clinch the win.

Glenn Khobotin led all scorers with 18 points, including 14 in the second half to rally the Waves, who missed two triples in the closing seconds.

“To win a game as close as this one is good for the team. I want them to feel the pressure,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

The scores:

Freego Jeans 85 – Brondial 12, Austria 11, Alvarez 10, Camson 10, Escueta 9, Sumalinog 8, Manyara 6, Canada 5, Apinan 5, Lozada 4, Lopez 3, Elinon 2, Cabrera 0.

PC Gilmore 52 – Acosta 18, Cagoco 10, Sarangay 8, Agas 5, Celiz 3, Vidal 2, Torres 2, Eman 0, Nuilan 0, Magat 0.

Quarterscores: 20-11; 37-17; 68-32; 85-52

Second Game

Blackwater 68 – Pascual 15, Marata 11, Ciriacruz 9, Fortuna 9, Acidre 5, Baustista 5, Tan 4, Afuang 4, G. Ciriacruz 4, Doligon 2, Bringas 0, Villanueva 0.

Boracay Rhum 65 – Khobuntin 18, Eguilos 12, Siruma 9, Baloran 9, Cornejo 7, Hermosisima 5, Bandaying 3, Abaya 2, Sabelina 0, Terzo 0, Morial 0.

Quarterscores: 20-9; 38-28; 56-47; 68-65