Defending champion Blackwater Sports and Big Chill scrambled past their respective foes yesterday to climb into a tie for second place in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Gio Ciriacruz pumped in 17 points and Jericho Cruz had 15 as Blackwater turned back Wang’s Basketball, 93-80, while Big Chill weathered a late surge by Jumbo Plastic for an 83-69 win.
It was the second straight win for both Blackwater and Big Chill, which shared second behind Cagayan Valley with its 3-0 slate.
“We have new players, so we’re not yet fluid in offense and defense,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac, who lost Justin Chua and Rob Celiz to the PBA.
Quinton Heruela nailed a three halfway through the fourth and stole possession twice to spark a 14-2 charge by Big Chill that eventually doomed the Giants to their first loss in three games.
From a two-point edge, the Superchargers zoomed to a double-digit lead that eventually pinned a first defeat on the Giants in three games.
“He (Heruela) carried us when we needed a push. But the experience of my veterans made the difference,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison.
Khazim Mirza, the hero of their one-point escape victory over NU-Banco De Oro, led the Superchargers with 17 points.
The scores:
First Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 93—Ciriacruz 17, Cruz 15, Mangahas 14, Ferrer 13, Bagatsing 8, Pe 7, Vigil 5, Avillanoza 4, Reyes 4, Llagas 4, Manguera 2, Austria 0, Suguitan 0.
WANG’S BASKETBALL 80—Gomez 25, Juico 17, Acosta 11, Banal 8, Ilad 7, Galiguez 6, Namocatcat 4, Onde 2, Sanches 0, Saitanan 0, Vijandre 0, Macuha 0.
Quarters: 20-16; 44-37; 67-59; 93-80
Second Game
BIG CHILL 83—Mirza 17, Lozada 16, Apinan 14, Cervantes 12, Heruela 10, Maiquez 8, Miranda 3, Santos 2, Canlas 1, Belleza 0, Brondial 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 69—Romero 14, Dehesa 12, Tan 11, Magat 11, Ballesteros 7, Colina 7, Melegrito 5, Petilos 2, Najorda 0, Chiu 0.
Quarters: 14-13; 32-35; 60-50; 83-69