Streaking Blackwater holds off Big Chill for 1-0 semis edge

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Jericho Cruz of Blackwater (light) vs Quinton Heruela of Big Chill (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater Sports built enough cushion to withstand a late rally by Big Chill to win, 84-72, and move a win away from nailing a Finals berth in the 2014 PBA Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Jericho Cruz led the way for the Elite, who fanned their winning streak to five games, with 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists.

“We’re getting a victory after another victory going back to the eliminations and we’re using those victories to further motivate the players improve their confidence,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

The Elite led by as much as 20, 72-52, early in the fourth quarter before the Superchargers rallied to within eight twice – the last on a basket by Jeckster Apinan, 78-70, with still 2:19 remaining.

Big Chill came back to life, thanks to its full court pressure that had Blackwater scrambling. The Superchargers though, had a costly error on a bad inbound pass by Mark Canlas that led to a game-clinching layup by Allan Mangahas, 80-70, with 2:08 left.

Mangahas finished with 15 points while Kevin Ferrer added 10 for the Elite, who also drew solid contributions from their second unit.

“We have to give credit to the second unit, they made that run and they allowed our starters to get rest,” added Isaac.

Pari Llagas and Bacon Austria had 10 apiece off-the-bench. Austria momentarily doused Big Chill’s fiery run with a jumper, 74-64, at the 4:22 mark of the final frame.

The Elite goes for the series clincher on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

“The players were able to win today and I don’t see why they can’t do it again on Thursday. We don’t want any delay on what we’re going to achieve.”

Reil Cervantes topscored with 22 points but had just five points in the second half for the Superchargers.