PBA D-League: Big Chill beats Zambales behind Cervantes

Reil Cervantes of Big Chill (dark) vs David Semerad of Zambales (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Big Chill needed to hold off Zamabales, 82-71, to assure itself of a quarterfinals seat in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at the Trinity University of Asia gym.

The Superchargers established a 13-point lead in the third quarter but had to lean on ex-PBA player Reil Cervantes and playmaker Brian Heruela to seal their ninth win in 10 games — bolstering their chances for an outright semifinals slot.

“I think the top two spots will be a close fight so we really have to win our remaining three games to have strong shot,” said Big Chill head coach Robert Sison.

Big Chill faces Wangs next on Thursday before ending its campaign in the elimination round against Boracay Rum and Hog’s Breath after nearly a month off.

“I’m really worried about our last two assignments because we will be coming from a long break but right now our focus is on Wangs. We want to close the year with a bang to have merry Christmas,” Sison said.

Cervantes, the former Far Eastern U standout, finished with a game-high 16 points but had 21 attempts, Juneric Baloria had 11 points while Rodney Brondial notched a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Superchargers led 48-35, after a 3-pointer by Janus Lozada before the M-Builders answered with a 14-2 run to move to within one, 49-50, on a 3-point play by Anthony Semerad.

Zamabales, which led by Jett Vidal’s 15 points, though, couldn’t sustain its fightback as it dropped to 2-7.