Boracay Rum routs Erase as it revives chance to make PBA D-League quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines—Coach Lawrence Chongson knows Boracay Rum can’t afford to slip if it wants to reach the quarterfinals.

And the Waves’ bid to sweep their remaining assignments started Thursday with an 82-61 domination of Erase XFoliant in the 2012-2013 PBA D-League at the Arellano Gym in Manila.

Six players finished in double digits as Boracay Rum used a strong third quarter to pull away from the struggling Erase XFoliant.

“We have to sweep para makapasok kami. Nakuwenta ko na (na kaya pa namin makapasok), unless namalikmata ako,” said Chongson, whose squad improved to 3-5.

Boracay Rum still has to overcome tough Cafe France (4-4) and Fruitas (4-3) in the elimination round.

But “we’re just taking this one game at a time. One down, two to go,” added Chongson.

And he knows they’re on the right track.

By the fourth quarter, the Waves sustained their advantage and were up by as big as 21 points after just leading by a 40-36 in the second period.

Lanky forward Maclean Sabellina poured half of his 12 markers in the pivotal third quarter, while Jeff Vierness and Stephen Siruma added 14 and 13, respectively.

Erase XFoliant never found its groove from the field—with gunner Jett Vidal struggling mightily—and was outrebounded by the Waves, 38-52.

Vidal still had 14 points but on a horrible 5-of-20 shooting night as his squad dropped further into the bottom two with a 2-6 card.