PBA D-League: Ciriacruz, Cruz lead Blackwater to 2nd win

MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater Sports subdued newcomer Wangs Basketball, 93-80, on Thursday for their second straight win in the 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

After taking a 20-16 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Elite had the upperhand the rest of the way but still needed to douse the Couriers’ repeated rallies to survive.

Gio Ciriacruz tallied 17 points, Jericho Cruz had 15 and Allan Mangahas added 14 points fourth-period points for the Elite, who leaned on a 19-9 run in the payoff period to put away Wangs.

Cruz, a standout from Adamson in the UAAP, had nine points in a decisive spurt for Blackwater Sports which game them 86-70 advantage with 3:10 to play.

The Elite were obviously reeling from the departure of Justine Chua and Rob Celis, who were vital cogs in last conference’s title conquest, as they both moved on to the PBA after getting drafted last Sunday.