Che’Lu-San Sebastian stuns top-ranked Akari-Adamson in D-League semis

MANILA, Philippines – Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian toppled top-seeded Akari-Adamson, 70-60, to steal Game 1 of their 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals series on Tuesday, April 17, at the Pasig Sports Center.

Veterans Cedrick Ablaza and Jeff Viernes took charge for the Revellers as they were instrumental in pulling off the shocker.

Ablaza, who came to the team from Batangas-EAC, took charge with 22 points, 12 of which coming in the third quarter, on top of four rebounds, and three steals, while Viernes tallied 16 points, eight boards, and two assists in the big victory.

“Usually, pag ganitong level ng game, I go to the veterans na. Sila na yung nakapaglaro dito before at alam na nila yung dapat gawin,” said coach Stevenson Tiu.

(Usually, I turn to the veterans in this kind of level of game. They’ve played here before so they know what to do.)

 But more than the exploits of the veterans, it was Che’Lu-San Sebastian’s defense which gave the squad a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

 The Revellers silenced the Falcons from downtown as they only went 2-of-15 from threes, while only allowing four points in the payoff period.

 “I know pressured sila kasi they’re the number one team. Kita naman sa start na talagang pinressure namin sila,” said Tiu.

(I know they’re pressured because they’re the number one team. You can see from the start that we really pressured them.)

Akari-Adamson’s leaders also got challenged throughout the game as Papi Sarr went 4-of-11 in a 12-point and 10-rebound outing, while Jerrick Ahanmisi shot 3-of-12 in a nine-point, four-rebound, and three-assist performance.

Simon Camacho led the way for the Falcons with his 13 points and six boards.

Game 2 is on Thursday, April 19, at Ynares Sports Arena. – Rappler.com 

The Scores:

CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 70 — Ablaza 22, Viernes 16, David 7, Taganas 6, Bulanadi 4, Costelo 4, De Leon 4, Batino 3, Ilagan 2, Siruma 2, Collado 0, Faundo 0.

AKARI-ADAMSON 60 — Camacho 13, Sarr 12, Ahanmisi 9, Lastimosa 9, Mojica 8, Manganti 4, Espeleta 3, Catapusan 2, Bernardo 0, Pingoy 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 24-16, 34-35, 61-56, 70-60.