Jawbreakers surge back, nail D-L title

MANILA, Philippines — Mike Nzeusseu poured in half of his 28-point out in the fourth quarter as Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum battled back from 14 points down in the third to repulse Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian, 92-82, and become the lowest-seeded squad to clinch the crown in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Nzeusseu used his height and heft to the hilt in the last 10 minutes of play where he combined with Conference MVP CJ Perez and Jaycee Marcelino to rally the Jawbreakers and complete their come-from-behind win in their best-of-three series, 2-1.

Zark’s Burgers-LPU floundered at endgame and lost, 103-107, in Game One, but clamped down on defense to snare Game Two, 98-90.

With time winding down and the crown already in the bag, the Jawbreakers bench gave coach Topex Robinson the traditional victory ride to celebrate their amazing rise from No. 6 to the top of the heap.

“I just told them that as long as we trust each other, we are always going to win,” said Robinson. “I told them you are inspiring people. You are not doing it by just giving up. You just keep on playing and keep on believing in yourselves.” 

Nzeusseu finished with 28 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, a block and had no turnover while Perez knocked down seven markers in the fourth and collected 26 points, with eight steals, six rebounds and two assists to boot.

Jesper Ayaay turned in 14 points while Jaycee Marcelino shot four of his seven points in the last quarter.

Michael Calisaan, Alfred Batino and Allyn Bulanadi took charge for the Revellers in the third quarter to surge ahead at 58-44, after a back-and-forth game in the first half.

Che’Lu Bar and Grill-SSC was still ahead, 69-59, with 54.9 seconds to go in the third period when Nzeusseu sparked the Jawbreakers’ comeback.