Manuel, Reyes lead Cebuana Lhuillier over RnW Pacific

VIC MANUEL topped off with 22 points while former pro Jai Reyes sank two treys during a crucial fourth period stretch as the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems sank the RnW Pacific Pipes, 77-64 in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at the Arellano University gym.

A fiery charge by the Steel Masters in the last seven minutes of the fourth quarter made the game exciting after the Gems pulled away, 54-42, at the end of the third. Four straight points by Jovit dela Cruz capped a 17-6 run and pulled RnW Pacific Pipes to within 62-66 with 2:38 to play.

But Reyes, the smallest guy on the floor, nailed back-to-back inside 45 seconds to give the Gems a 72-64 cushion with 94 seconds remaining and seal the win. Reyes finished with 13 points while going 2 of 3 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter and was 4 of 10 for the game.

Kevin Racal led RnW Pacific Pipes with 17 points. Jim Viray had 13 and Dela Cruz added 12 for the Steel Masters, who picked up their second loss in the three games.

BOX SCORES:

Cebuana Lhuillier 77 – Manuel 22 Reyes 13, Llagas 13, Romeo 6, Cruz 6, Hayes 6, Mangahas 5, Celeda 4, Atkins 2, Eximiniano 0, Almazan 0.

RnW Pacific Pipes 64 – Racal 17, Viray 13, Dela Cruz 12, Del Rio 8, Maiquez 6, Miranda 2, Antonio 2, Delgado 1, Importante 0, Zulueta 0.

Quarterscores: 18-19; 29-31; 54-42; 77-64.  Correspondent Jonas Panerio