MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill and defending champion NLEX got off to strong starts to score runaway victories over separate foes and sustain their unbeaten run in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup yesterday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Big Chill capitalized on an 18-point cushion early in the second quarter to beat Café France, 94-76, while NLEX scored 30 points in the first quarter before holding off a strong second half charge by Boracay Rum for an 82-75 triumph.
Reil Cervantes and Mar Villahermosa each scored 18 points to show the way for the league-leading Superchargers, who stretched their season-best start to 6-0.
The Road Warriors, on the other hand, got stellar efforts from Garvo Lanete (23 points), Jake Pascual (11) and reserves Art dela Cruz and John Villarias (10 points apiece) to stay unbeaten in three starts.
Later in the day, Wang’s Basketball pulled off a surprise 76-74 win over Cagayan Valley, who came into the game without head coach Alvin Pua.
Jonathan Banal sank two free throws to give the Couriers the go-ahead with 6.4 seconds left and Bryan Ilad sealed the win with a steal off Mark Bringas.
Michael Juico scored 22 points and Macky Acosta added 14 for the Couriers who improved to 2-3 while the Rising Suns fell to 5-2.
“It’s always tough playing Cafe France. But the players are determined and eager to win every game. I thought that made a difference,†offered Big Chill coach Robert Sison.
He also put emphasis on the willingness of his players to accept their role as a big factor in their continued success early in the season.
Starters Mark Canlas, Reil Cervantes and Rodney Brondial put together a 9-0 run late in the first quarter as Big Chill broke an 11-all tie and surged ahead to stay.
The Superchargers also got outstanding efforts from Villahermosa, Jeckster Apinan and Dexter Maiquez, who came off the bench and helped fend off repeated rallies by the Bakers.