PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Ferrer led four players in double-digit scoring as Blackwater beat Jumbo Plastic, 86-78, to forge a deciding game for a semifinals slot in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Ferrer, the University of Santo Tomas forward, scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half to help the Elite sustain their strong start.
Jericho Cruz added 15 points, 12 in the third quarter, while Pari Llagas and Gio Ciriacruz wound up with 13 each.
Blackwater led, 46-34, at the half and made necessary stops to keep Jumbo Plastic at bay.
The Elite and Giants meet again Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig with the winner joining Big Chill and defending champion NLEX in the Final Four.
The Superchargers and the Road Warriors gained an outright semis trip after topping the elimination round.
Mark Romero had 16 for the Giants, who committed 22 turnovers as compared to the Elite’s 11. Jan Colina notched 12 points and 12 rebounds while carrying the load upfront with Jason Ballesteros scoring just two points on only measly two attempts.