PBA D-League: Ferrer scores 17 as Blackwater blasts Zambales
PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE1 – Kevin Ferrer of Blackwater (light) vs Bryan Cruz of Zambales (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater Sports surged ahead in the second quarter and never looked back to rip Zambales, 91-69, in the 2013-14 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Elite quickly turned a close game into a rout after outscoring the M-Builders, 27-8, in the pivotal second period, where they hardly missed from the field (12-of-18) while limiting their opponents to just 17.6 percent (three-of-17) to establish an imposing 44-22 advantage.
“We just want to continue practicing good habits. We don’t want to be relaxed,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.
University of Santo Tomas forward Kevin Ferrer led the Elite’s onslaught with 17 points while Adamson guard Jericho Cruz scored eight of his 10 points in the second quarter.
“We don’t want to get accustomed to the kind of basketball where won’t learn. We will continue to push harder and harder and push our game to the next level,” added Isaac.
After an easy win, Blackwater, which upped its mark to 4-1, braces for a tough schedule ahead with two of the league’s top teams in Cagayan and NLEX next in line.
“We’ll be facing tough opponents and we’re trying to prepare for them,” said Isaac, whose squad remains to be the only team able to capture a championship other than the Road Warriors after clinching last season’s Foundation Cup crown.
With the loss of its big men Justin Chua and Rob Celiz, Blackwater added former Meralco reserve Gilbert Bulawan into its roster. Bulawam scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds in 19 minutes of play.
Isaac also announced that the Elite have acquired former Boracay Rum slotman Ken Acibar.
“Next game, we’ll be having Ken Acibar in our lineup. Later this week, we’ll see who we’re going to release for Acibar.”
Zambales, which succumbed to its fourth loss in six outings, had just six attempts at the free throw line as a team and committed 23 turnovers that led to 21 easy points for Blackwater.
Far Eastern University guard Mike Tolomia paced the M-Builders with 14 points.
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