PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Forward Macky Acosta sank three free throws in the waning seconds to lift Wangs Basketball over Arellano University, 71-68, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Blue Eagle gym.
Acosta’s freebies capped a Couriers comeback from 13 points down in the third quarter as the team upped their record to 4-5.
“We struggled in the first half. Our shooting was off but we picked up the pace in the second half and our pressure defense clicked. This (win) gives us some confidence coming into Thursday’s game against Big Chill,” said Wangs Basketball coach Pablo Lucas.
The Superchargers boast a league-leading 9-1 mark.
Michael Juico had a double-double for Wangs with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Acosta scored 11 points.
Rocky Acidre tallied 21 points, including a layup that gave the Chiefs a 50-37 buffer with 7:24 left in the third quarter.
Arellano started turning the ball over though and attempted low-percentage shots that allowed Wangs to get back in the game and steal the win.
The Chiefs committed 19 of their 24 turnovers in the second half and shot just 26% from the field in the final 20 minutes as they reeled to their eighth loss in nine games.