Gio Ciriacruz vs Nard Pinto. Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines—Fruitas never trailed in the second overtime and outlasted Blackwater, 95-91, on Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
After overcoming a 79-82 deficit and forcing a second overtime, the Shakers went on a pivotal 8-2 blast to build a gap big enough to carry them to their third straight victory.
Carlo Lastimosa, who led with 21 points, made it a 92-86 lead for Fruitas with 2:59 left before freethrows from Nard Pinto and Carl Cruz sealed the win.
Blackwater pulled within three, 92-89, on a basket by Allan Mangahas but couldn’t knock down a tying basket after several tries.
“Frankly, I don’t know how we pulled through. But the guys showed a lot of determination and I thought it made a difference,” said coach Eric Gonzales, who took over from head coach Nash Racela.
Lastimosa also had seven rebounds, an assist, and three steals but with five turnovers. Pinto added 14 points and five rebounds.
Russel Escoto and Cruz pulled down 15 and 10 rebounds, respectively, to give the Shakers a huge lift in cleaning up the glass, 71-56 (29-16, offensive rebounds).
Mangahas finished with 22 points, nailing crucial baskets for Blackwater late in the fourth and overtime, along with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Elite dropped their first assignment in the conference for a 2-1 record.