Wizards oust Generix, clinch D-League semis ticket

PC Gilmore used its speed and youth to its advantage in trouncing Pharex, 92-77, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup’s quarterfinal round on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The Wizards, who led the entire game, will now face title favorite Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in the semifinals. Macky Acosta drained four three-pointers in the first half alone to help PC Gilmore, which also dominated the boards, enjoy a 34-26 advantage midway in the second period. Jett Vidal, who replaced playmaker Allan Mangahas committed his fourth foul early in the third, buried back-to-back three-pointers in the same period to give the Wizards a 72-51 spread. Mac Montilla and JR Tecson tried to rally Pharex back in the final canto but the Generix fell short in the crucial stage of the match. Point guard Leomar Losentes, who has been directing their offense, fouled out midway in the quarter while Montilla committed a flagrant foul ending any chance by the Generix to catch up. Carlo Lastimosa led PC Gilmore with 19 points, four rebounds and five steals while Mangahas added 13 markers, six boards, nine assists and three steals. Jam Cortes also played big for the Wizards finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. "We were motivated to win since we are the underdogs. We wanted to prove that we are good enough to beat a team like Pharex," said Cortes. - Mav C. Gonzales, JVP, GMA News