Jawbreakers storm to semis

MANILA, Philippines — Sixth-ranked Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum bucked tall odds, including the ouster of top gun CJ Perez and a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, as it stunned No. 3 Centro Escolar University, 82-77, to barge into the semifinals of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Jawbreakers lost Perez on fouls at the height of their ferocious rally midway in the fourth but Mike Nzeusseu, Jesper Ayaay, Reymar Caduyac, Jeric Serrano and Jayvee Marcelino stepped up to complete their come-from-behind victory and seal a semis showdown with No. 2 and elims tormentor Marinerong Pilipino Skippers.

“During halftime, I reminded them to just enjoy the game and it gave them more freedom to play. I told them missed shots are not turnovers so just keep on grinding. Even if you make a mistake, just keep on playing,” said Zark’s Burgers-LPU coach Topex Robinson.

The Jawbreakers thus overcame the Scorpions’ twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters, beating them, 104-95, last Tuesday and closing out with a 22-4 run in the fourth to snatch the win.

CEU actually looked headed for a win after storming to a 70-56 lead but the Scorpions failed to ward off the Jawbreakers’ fiery rally that shoved them on top, 78-74, with 1:18 to go in the contest.

Charities by Rod Ebondo and Orlan Wamar kept the Scorpions alive at 77-80 with 30.6 seconds remaining, but Keanu Caballero lost hold of the leather and Jayvee Marcelino sealed the match on a buzzer-beating undergoal shot off a pass by twin JC.

Saddled by foul trouble, Perez returned at the 7:58 mark of the fourth and scored on a layup while also collaring two defensive rebounds and issuing an assist before exiting at the 4:54 mark with Zark’s Burgers-LPU still behind at 68-74.

Perez rode the bench after incurring his fifth foul in the 2:58 mark of the third quarter.

Jayvee Marcelino topscored with 17 points, Ayaay logged 15, Nzeusseu turned in 12 points and 16 rebounds while Jaycee Marcelino added 10 markers.

Perez struggled for eight points on 2-for-10 shooting but also had six rebounds, four assists and a block before his exit.

Ebondo came through with 22 points and 16 rebounds, Art Aquino wound up with 16 markers and 11 boards while Orlan Wamar and Rich Guinitaran combined for 21 points for the Scorpions who stormed to a 30-12 start but collapsed in the fourth.

The scores:

Zark’s Burger-Lyceum 82 — Jv. Marcelino 17, Ayaay 15, Nzeusseu 12, Jc. Marcelino 10, Perez 8, Tansingco 6, Caduyac 5, Serrano 4, Yong 3, Pretta 2, Cinco 0, Ibañez 0.

CEU 77 — Ebondo 22, Aquino 16, Wamar 11, Guinitaran 10, Cruz 6, Fuentes 4, Caballero 3, Manlangit 3, Arim 2, Chan 0, Galinato 0, Intic 0, Veron 0.

Quarterscores: 15-30, 37-45, 56-65, 82-77