PBA D-League: Heruela’s heroics help Big Chill ward off Jumbo Plastic

Quinton Heruela of Big Chill (light) vs Karl Dehesa and Lyle Antipuesto of Jumbo Plastic (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Big Chill streaked to its second straight win and stopped Jumbo Plastic’s unscathed run with an 83-69 romp Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Stocky guard Quinton Heruela hit a clutch trey with 4:23 to play then made two key steals that led to successive transition baskets as the Superchargers closed the game with a 14-2 run.

That finishing kick took away the Giants’ comeback hopes after clawing from 14-points down and pulling within 67-69 with just a little under five minutes to play

Khazim Mirza scored 17 points to lead for other players in double digits as the Superchargers handed the Giants their first loss in three games.

Jumbo Plastic got 14 from Mark Romero, 12 from Karl Dehesa and 11 apiece from Marion Magat and Elliot Tan. Usual leaders Jason Ballesteros and Jan Colina were held to 14 points combined.

The Giants shot just 35 percent from the field. They committed three consecutive turnovers while missing six of their last seven attempts in the last 10 possessions.