Ilagan rescues R&W five anew
RAYMOND Ilagan delivered in the clutch anew as RnW Pacific Pipes nipped Erase Plantcenta, 74-73, yesterday for its second straight win in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.
The 6-foot-3 forward out of St. Francis College who also hit the game winner against Boracay Rum last week sank a hook shot over Mark Acosta for the go-ahead basket with 67 seconds left as the Steelmasters rose to 2-2.
It was actually a day of superb performances from big men with Kelly Nabong also powering Blackwater Sports past Boracay Rum, 67-56.
Nabong pumped in 26 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter where the Elite erased a seven-point lead en route to their third win in four outings to tie Big Chill for second spot.
“We can’t execute our half-court sets, so we used the old style and tried our isolation and 1-on-1 plays and got lucky,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac, whose Elite put a lid on the Waves’ attack, holding them to just 3-of-17 shooting in the final period.
The Erasers dropped to 1-3, while the Waves remained at the cellar after losing for the third straight game.
Determined to boost his stock, Ilagan finished with 21 points, built on 9-of-14 shooting, and grabbed 12 rebounds in a performance that drew praise from coach Pido Jarencio.
“Raymond has the potential,” said Jarencio. “That’s why he’s our go-to guy.”
JR Buensuceso also sparkled for the Steel Masters, finishing with 18 points.
The Erasers were held scoreless in the final 1:54, hastening their defeat in a game where no team led by more than five points.
The scores:
First Game
RNW P. PIPES 74—Ilagan 21, Buensuceso 19, Colina 8, Gonzales 6, Rogado 5, Teng 5, Acidre 5, Mariano 3, Sanvictores 2, Pe 0.
ERASE PLANTCENTA 73—Ferreria 17, Acosta 17, Mangahas 10, Sarangay 9, Gomez 8, Vidal 8, Del Rio 4, Torres 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 26-23, 39-38, 59-59, 74-73
Second Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 67—Nabong 26, Bautista 10, Mandani 10, Ciriacruz 7, Zamar 6, Celiz 6, PAscual 2, Fortuna 0, Jeffries 0.
BORACAY RUM 56—Sabelina 15, Bandaying 11, Acibar 9, Abaya 5, Cornejo 5, Siruma 4, Rosopa 4, Morial 2, Eguilos 1, Hermosisima 0, Terso 0, Foronda 0.
Quarters: 10-14; 31-31; 40-48; 67-56
