Racal Motors stuns Jumbo, keeps playoff hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines - Jeff Viernes poured in 13 of his game-high 19 points in the third period and Racal Motors shackled Jumbo Plastic with a pesky defense in the second half to pull off a stunning 77-66 victory yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

Held scoreless in the first 20 minutes, Viernes cut loose in the pivotal third, firing away two triples and a pair of perimeter jumpers to key the Alibaba’s fightback from 27-33 down. Racal Motors outscored Jumbo Plastic, 31-17, in the period to seize control.

Jason Ibay added 16 points, Kerwin Ortueote chipped in 10 markers and Reneford Ruaya snared 12 rebounds for the Alibaba, who employed different defensive looks in the second half to rattle the Giants, who committed 23 turnovers in that stretch.

“They weren’t shooting well so we employed the zone and went man-to- man every time they called a time out to confuse them. I thought the plan worked,” said Racal coach Caloy Garcia.

“I was really disappointed with the way we played the last time out. But I thought the guys responded well today and gave a lot of effort,” he added.

It was only the second win in six games for the Alibaba but it kept them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

“We’re not really looking too far behind. Right now the goal is to just continue to improve. If by chance, we make it to the playoffs, well and good,” Garcia said.

Mark Cruz finished with 10 points. Joseph Terso added 12 markers and Jaymo Eguillos had 10 points for the Giants, who dropped to fourth with a 4-2 mark behind unbeaten leader Hapee (5-0), Cagayan Valley (4-0) and Café France (4-1).

Racal Motors shot 28 of 62 (45 percent) including 10 of 27 from three-point range. In contrast, Jumbo Plastic made just 24 of 70 attempts (34 percent) including 5 of 23 from behind the arc.