PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Last conference’s champion Blackwater eluded an early exit as it fought off Cafe France, 87-82, in overtime Thursday at the 2014 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
Kevin Ferrer’s heroics tied the game at the end of regulation while Allan Mangahas took over in overtime to salvage the victory for the Elite after they blew a 15-point lead.
“Hopefully we can turn things around with this victory. We like our chances and we hold our situation,” head coach Leo Isaac said.
Mangahas scored 10 of his team-high 20 points in the extra period, opening a 74-70 lead which the Elite would never relinquish. The spry guard also added five rebounds and four assists.
Ferrer, who added 18 points, hit a 3-pointer to inch them within 67-70, with 1:08 to go then made good on three free throws after he was fouled by Alvin Abundo from downtown to forge OT.
The Elite snapped a two-game skid and tied the Bakers for the sixth and last quarterfinal spot. Both teams have one more game left in the eliminations.
“Hopefully this (win) will serve as a wake-up call to the players. We got one more game to win to accomplish our goal and I remain confident about our chances.”
The Elite holds the advantage if both teams end up tied at the close of the eliminations. But if Blackwater bows to Cebuana and Café France wins over lightweight Arellano on Monday, the Bakers will clinch the last quarterfinal berth.
The Bakers had a chance to win the game in regulation, even a taking a 70-64 lead with 77 seconds left, but failed to capitalized on the opportunity.
Mac Montilla scored 15 of his game high 24 points in the fourth quarter to fuel Café France’s 18-4 comeback in the last six minutes of regulation.
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