PBA D-League: Lozada helps Big Chill hold off Arellano

Joshua Webb of Arellano-Air21 (light) vs Janus Lozada of Big Chill (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Big Chill went on a late run that kept Arellano University at bay, 70-63, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Superchargers used a 9-2 surge capped by a Janus Lozada triple that made it, 67-61, with 18 seconds remaining — sealing the team’s seventh win in eight stints after losing to defending champion NLEX last week.

“We had a good run in the first quarter but we somehow lost our momentum when our second unit came in. Arellano capitalized on it, kept the game close and gained some confidence but I thought we did a good job closing out the game,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison, whose squad seemed on its way to an early rout after leading, 20-11, at the end of the first quarter.

Reil Cervantes topscored with 20 points, Lozada had 18 points while Brian Heruela had another all-around game with 13 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

The Chiefs, who fell to 1-7, managed to take a 59-58 lead after John Bangga made a jumper and Adams Serjue sank a free throw with 3:47 left before the Superchargers responded with a tear.

“Definitely, we have to play much better in our next game,” said Sison as his team faces Cagayan Valley next.