Games tomorrow (Ynares Sports Arena)

2 p.m. – Big Chill vs NLEX
4 p.m. – Freego Jeans vs Cebuana Lhuillier


Roider Cabrera hit a 3-point shot as time expired, giving Freego Jeans a 56-54 win over Cebuana Lhuillier, 56-54, yesterday in the opener of their PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinal series at the San Juan Arena.

But nothing was more stunning than Big Chill’s 83-66 rout of NLEX in the other game to complete the day of stunning reversals.

Cabrera, who came off the bench with six seconds remaining, received a pass from Lester Alvarez, pumped fake against Pari Llagas before taking the shot that saved the day for the Jeans Makers.

“Swerte lang po,” offered the 6-4 Cabrera of his game- winning shot. He described his heroics a “dream come true.”

Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria said Cabrera is one his best shooters but played limited minutes because his position is loaded. Cabrera, played only three minutes and took just two attempts – both from behind the arc.

“I’m happy he made that shot. I’m sure it will raise his confidence,” Austria said.

Alvarez scored 16 points and Eric Camson had 11 and nine rebounds for the Jean Makers, who blew a 14-points second quarter lead.

Cebuana Lhuillier, which played catch up for three quarter, took a 56-54 lead with 11.6 seconds remaining on successive 3-point shots by Terrence Romeo.

The Gems had a chance to seal the victory when Alvarez fumbled in Freego Jeans’ next possession. But Kevin Alas blew it with an errant inbound pass to Vic Manual that sailed high and out of bounds.

Cebuana Lhuilliers’s 23rd turnover of the day gave the Jeans Makers a new lease on life and paved the way for Cabrera’s winner.

Manuel finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds for Cebuana Lhuillier, which shot poorly in the first half and trailed 11-25 three minutes into the second quarter.  

Big Chill also capitalized on NLEX’s poor shooting in the middle quarters to take the game away from its top-seeded opponent.


The Scores:


First Game

Freego Jeans 57 – Alvarez 16, Camson 11, Nuyles 10, Austria 9, Sumalinog 3, Cabrera 3, Manyara 2, Lopez 2, Apinan 1, Lozada 0, Brondial 0, Monteclaro 0, Elinon 0.

Cebuana Lhuillier 56 – Manuel 15, Romeo 13, Llagas 8, Alas 6, Reyes 5, Taha 3, Mangahas 2, Almazan 2, Eximiniano 2, Celeda 0.

Quarters: 18-7; 31-22; 40-33; 57-56


Second Game

Big Chill 83 – Mallari 20, Glorioso 12, Collado 11, Ponferrada 9, Tan 9, Reyes 6, Maconocido 5, Jensen 4, Custodio 3, Santos 2, Dizon 2.

NLEX 66 – Garcia 19, Hodge 11, Abueva 10, Ellis 5, Marcelo 5, Lanete 5, Belencion 4, Sanggalang 4, Monfort 3, Hermida 0, Dehesa 0, Co 0.

Quarters: 23-21; 47-32; 70-42; 83-66