Akari-Adamson enhanced its chances of clinching an outright semifinal berth with 101-83 rout of Perpetual on Tuesday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Egie Boy Mojica and Jerome Lastimosa took charge in the fourth quarter to help the Falcons put the Altas away.
Mojica scored nine points on 3 of 3 shooting from behind the arc, while Lastimosa went 3 of 4 from the floor for eight points as Akari-Adamson outscored Perpetual, 31-16, in the fourth.
In the other game, Zark’s Burger-Lyceum improved its chances of advancing to the next phase at the expense of Jose Rizal University, 91-81.
Mike Nzeusseu poured 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and had 11 rebounds, while CJ Perez contributed 16 and three assists for the Jawbreakers, who staved off a late rally by the Heavy Bombers.
“I guess we just got our groove back,” said Coach Topex Robinson.
“The way I see the players now, they are more engaged. There was a burnout factor, and we had to pay the price, but coming to the playoffs, I think we’re getting the drive once again,” he added.
Zark’s-Lyceum improved to 6-4 card, while Jose Rizal University (JRU) picked up its eighth consecutive defeat and fell to 1-8.
Papi Sarr tallied 21 points for the Falcons, who led by as many as 18 points. Mojica finished with 15, while Sean Paul Manganti, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Lastimosa chipped in 14 apiece for the Akari-Adamson, who improved to 8-2 record and tied idle Centro Escolar University at the top of the standings.
“We became aggressive. We’re too lax early on,” said Akari-Adamson Coach Franz Pumaren afterward.
Akari-Adamson can earn an outright passage in the Final Four with another victory over free-falling JRU (1-7) on April 5.
It was a disappointing loss for the Altas, who trailed by just three points after three quarters but shot just 3 of 14 in the fourth.
Edgar Charcos tallied 22 points and 10 assists, while Prince Eze and Kim Aurin combined for 30 markers and 10 rebounds for the Altas, who fell to 3-6 record.