Gems arrange semis duel vs Chargers

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier held off Café France, 82-77, while Blackwater Sports disposed of RnW Pacific Pipes, 76-69, to advance to the semifinal round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Vic Manuel sizzled with 28 points, including three triples, and grabbed eight rebounds as the Gems fended off the Bakers’ rally to arrange a best-of-three semis series with the Big Chill Super Chargers.

Jens Knuttel strung up four straight points to put the Bakers within 77-80 after trailing by 66-78. But Simon Atkins canned two pressure-packed charities to seal the win for the Gems.

“I can’t understand my players, they were out of focus. I am disappointed but positive that going to the playoffs we are fresh off a close game,” said Cebuana coach Beaujing Acot.

Lester Alvarez chipped in 11 points, while Janus Lozada and Atkins added eight points apiece for Cebuana.

Knuttel scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while Marion Magat tossed in 17 markers and nine boards and Mike Parala scored 11 points and 17 rebounds for the Bakers.

Earlier, the Sports bucked a sluggish start and re-grouped in the second half to turn back the Steel Masters and set their own semis duel with defending champion NLEX.

“My players started to play individually, but I told them that the only way to win is through team basketball,” said Blackwater coach Leo Austria.

The Sports rode on a big third quarter run to seize control at 54-45 lead then thwarted the Steel Masters’ repeated comebacks in the final period to prevail.