PBA D-League: Veterans lift Freego past Boracay Rum

The Freego Jeans Makers routed the Boracay Rum Waves, 87-62, on Thursday to book the last semi-finals berth in the PBA D-Leauge Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. "Ang sabi talaga sa amin ni coach, hindi na pwedeng maulit iyong nangyari sa amin sa Adamson na twice-to-beat kami tapos natalo,” said Alex Nuyles before the game. True enough, the Jeans Makers need not use their twice-to-beat edge against the Waves after the match was decided right in the very first five minutes as Freego opened with an 18-6 run. Big men Eric Camson and Janus Lozada teamed up in scoring and rebounding, ending the quarter at 28-8. Toto Bandaying and Mac Sabellina delivered the points while Stephen Siruma and Ezer Rosopa provided the inside presence as they tried to bring Boracay Rum back into the game. Former NU Bulldog Kokoy Hermosisima made his only three-pointer of the match, which was quickly answered by treys from Janus Lozada, Eric Camson and Lester Alvarez. Freego enjoyed a 29-point bubble at the half, 52-23. Freego did not slow down from there as Adamson veterans Alvarez, Lozada and Camson stepped on the gas further in the second half. Nuyles, JRU's John Lopez and Ateneo's Bacon Austria also did their share.   On the other hand, Bandaying and Sabellina were the lone bright spot for the Waves in the third quarter, where they scored most of their combined 38 points. Perennial go-to guy Glenn Khobuntin was held to only two points by the Jeans Makers' defense. The 20-year-old National University Bulldog had an off-game and even missed his free throw attempts. Boracay Rum could not score even with an extra hand from Ken Acibar. Acibar just got activated after being released by Barako Bull this January. However, the former University of the East stalwart and Cobra Ironmen was practically invisible during the game. Alvarez paced Freego with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. “Masaya kami at nakapasok na kami sa semi-finals kasi sabi nga ni coach, huwag na namin itong paabutin ng Game Two,” said Alvarez after the game. Third-seed Freego will face No. 2 Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in a best-of-three series starting Tuesday at the San Juan Arena. “Sobrang paghahandaan namin yung Cebuana kasi last year, sila rin yung nakatalo sa amin,” added Alvarez. Lozada also contributed 19 points for the Jeans Makers, while Camson put in 16 markers and nine rebounds. — JVP, GMA News