Guards lead Cebu Gems to second win over Dub Unlimited

The Cebuana Lhuillier Gems used a third-quarter scoring outburst in posting an 85-72 victory over the Trinity Dub Unlimited Wheelers on Thursday at the Trinity University of Asia Gym. The Wheelers, playing in their home court, failed to stop last PBA D-League season's runners-up to drop to 0-2 while the Gems improved to 2-0 to join idle Blackwater and Big Chill on top of the standings. The Gems, playing minus big man Pari Llagas who was down with the flu, relied heavily on their guards explosive offense. Letran guard Kevin Alas led Cebu's opening attack, scoring seven points in the first half alone. Cebuana Lhuillier enjoyed an 11-4 lead but UST stalwart Jeric Teng connected from downtown to keep Dub Unlimited in the game. Teng drained three triples, including a half-court buzzer-beating heave to end the first quarter. The Wheelers kept the game close in the second period and even entered the break holding on to a 35-32 edge. Cebu, however, turned things around in the third as the Gems clamped down on defense shutting down Teng's outside shooting and foiling the Wheelers' big men to operate inside the shaded area. Alas then teamed up with Jai Reyes and James Mangahas in a pivotal 13-0 run as Cebu zoomed to a 53-41 spread. FEU standout and former UAAP Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo then put the finishing touches sparking a 9-2 exchange early in the fourth. Mark Jeffries' lay up gave Cebu a 71-52 bubble. Vic Manuel scored 13, most of which came in the fourth, to lead Cebu's offense. He also finished with seven rebounds and two assists. While Llagas is expected to return in the Gems' next assignment, Alas played his final game for Cebu this year since the Letran playmaker will fly to the United States for a basketball training camp with the LA Slams from November 10 until the second week of December. Alas will return to the Cebuana line-up by January 2012 — JVP, GMA News