Blackwater holds down Adeogun, Fruitas for 69-64 win

MANILA, Philippines – Making the necessary adjustments, Blackwater Sports slipped past Fruitas 69-64 Tuesday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the San Juan Gym.

Kevin Ferrer continued to shine playing a major role with a game-high 18 points, including a breakaway layup that stretched the Elite’s lead to two possessions 67-62 with 50.4 seconds remaining.

“Every practice you can see that his attitude is improving; he works hard,” Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac told INQUIRER.net.

The six-foot-four Ferrer also played a key role defensively in holding down explosive guard Carlo Lastimosa to just three points in the second half.

Jeric Fortuna also played well with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists

“We wanted to win; we wanted to gain momentum and confidence. And we have to go with our veteran players. Going into the locker room, in the third and fourth we need to dictate the tempo. We can’t allow them to dictate it,” said Isaac.

The Shakers led 38-30 late in the second quarter but failed to sustain their performance in the second half, allowing the Elite to take control.

Both teams exchanged big baskets. Gio Ciriacruz nailed a three before Fortuna crossed Joseph Terso for a smooth jumper that put his team back on top by three 65-62 with 1:10 left.

UST’s Cameroonian center Karim Abdul sacrificed his offense to hold down counterpart Ola Adeogun on the low block.

Abdul only had seven points but more importantly, limited Adeougun’s output to just 14 points, a far cry from his 30-point effort in the Shakers win over Cebuana Lhuillier in their last game.

“As long as he can contain Ola that’s fine with us; other guys cans step in for him offensively,” said Isaac.

Down by three, Fruitas went for the equalizer, drawing up a play for Mike Silungan. Silungan though, misfired twice at the same spot in the left wing.

Fortuna set the final count with two free throws in the last 2.2 seconds.

Blackwater seized its second straight win for a 2-1 card while Fruitas dropped to 1-2.

Lastimosa paced the Shakers with 17 points to go along with six rebounds and seven assists.