D-League: Freego, Cobra, post key wins as their foes face dim playoff picture

Freego Jeans routed RnW Pacific Pipes Steelmasters, 93-55, Monday to regain its winning form in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome. Alex Nuyles finished with 17 points as he led Freego’s pull-away in the first half to improve its mark to a 7-3 win-loss card while also clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round. The win came after Freego was upset by the Café France Bakers last week in a game that would have improved its chances of gaining an outright semifinals berth. “We collapsed on defense against Café France so we really focused ourselves on defense in this game,” said Freego coach Leo Austria. Freego pounded the Steelmasters, posting a 48-26 halftime lead before stretching their advantage even further with an 18-8 third quarter. RnW Pacific Pipes dropped to 4-5 tying the PC Gilmore Wizards and the Boracay Rum Waves for fifth place in the team standings. In the first game, the Cobra Energy Drink Iron Men defeated the Blackwater Elite, 72-63, to cap off its campaign with a win after struggling throughout the conference. “It’s a great feeling to come out with a victory. We learned a lot from this tournament,” said Iron Men coach Jerry Codinera. “We had a good start and we kept our composure when they made their run.” Ebraham Enguio top-scored for the Ironmen with 19 points as Cobra’s 51 percent clip from the field in the first half brought them to a 39-18 halftime lead. The Elite fell to 3-5, placing them in danger of being eliminated from the quarterfinals picture. They are now tied with Café France for eighth place. -- AMD/OMG, GMA News The scores: First Game Cobra Energy Drink 72 – Enguio 19, Noble 13, Sumido 7, Cortez 7, Tagarda 6, Santos 6, Cubo 4, Casajeros 4, Zablan 2, Duran 2, Stevens 2, Belorio 0, Flores 0. Blackwater 63 – G. Ciriacruz 16, Fortuna 11, Bautista 11, Pascual 8, I. Ciriacruz 7, Acidre 7, Tan 2, Villanueva 1, Camus 0, Bringas 0, Doligon 0, Marata 0. Quarters: 24-8; 39-18; 47-36; 72-63 Second Game Freego Jeans 93 – Nuyles 17, Sumalinog 13, Alvarez 11, Camson 9, Cabrera 9, Apinan 8, Lozada 7, Monteclaro 4, Brondial 4, Rios 3, Austria 2, Lopez 2, Manyara 0, Elinon 0. Pacific Pipes 55 – Ilagan 20, Miranda 15, SanVictores 7, Racal 7, Dela Cruz 2, Del Rio 2, Vitug 2, Buensuceso 0, Delgado 0, Maiquez 0, Importante 0, Zulueta 0, Semira 0, Antonio 0. Quarters: 20-14; 48-26; 66-34; 93-55