PBL: Second half surge propels Licealiz to victory

MANILA, Philippines – Licealiz took the first game of its 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup semifinals series against Pharex, 83-72, Thursday at the San Juan Gym. Trailing at the half, the Hair Doctors reversed the outcome in the third period led by Jim Viray to lead by 10, 56-46, entering the final period. Licealiz even enjoyed a 74-55 advantage courtesy of Josh Vanlandingham’s free throws 3:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. But the Bidang Generix won’t go down without a fight and used a 14-1 exchange to trim the gap to six, 75-69, less than two minutes in the game. Lance Convento, however, kept the Hair Doctors out of harms way as he scored Licealiz’ last eight points. Convento finished with 16 points and seven rebounds while Vanlandingham also had 16 markers. Viray scored all of his 11 points in the second half to go with his five rebounds and two assists. Dino Daa tallied 11 points while Jervy Cruz added 10 points before fouling out. Chris Ross missed a triple-double after collecting 12 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists. Francis Allera helped out with 11 markers. “We played too much eagerness in the first hall but good thing we settled down in the second half to get this win," said Licealiz head coach Egay Macaraya. – GMANews.TV