PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Fully aware of what’s at stake, Blackwater Sports wasted no time in beating Cebuana Lhuillier, 96-74, to book the last playoff ticket in the 2014 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Elite zoomed to a commanding 31-13 lead at the end of the first period and that proved to be enough to barge into the quarterfinals as the Gems never recovered.
“The players were well aware of the importance of this game. We were on the same page offensively and defensively,” Blackwater coach Leo Isaac told reporters.
Blackwater finished with the same record as Café France at 8-5 but the Elite arranged a quarterfinals duel with no.3 Jumbo Plastic Giants, who own a twice-to-beat advantage, with a superior quotient.
“The odds are tough but I still like our chances. It’s payback time,” Isaac said, whose team lost to the Giants, 72-79, in overtime in the elimination round.
Adamson star Jericho Cruz scored 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds while point guard Allan Mangahas had 16 points for the Elite, who got 20 points off the Gems’ 15 turnovers.
The Gems, which fell to 5-7, had a poor defensive outing — giving up way too many uncontested shots.
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