Fiery Fruitas forges ahead

CEBUANA Lhuillier’s Raymond Aguilar puts up a shot off Eric Camson of NLEX in yesterday’s game at Ynares Arena in Pasig. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

FRUITAS, relentless off the boards and resolute down the stretch, outlasted Blackwater Sports, 95-91, in double overtime yesterday to stay unbeaten in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Arena.

Carlo Lastimosa finished with 21 points, including a key basket with 1:59 remaining in the second overtime that gave the Shakers the lead, 92-86, which they never relinquished.

With their third straight victory, the Shakers grabbed the solo lead ahead of Cebuana Lhuillier, which trounced a depleted NLEX squad, 71-64, in the first game.

The Shakers proved relentless off the boards, posting a 71-56 edge in rebounds.

“Frankly, I don’t know how we pulled through,” said Eric Gonzales, who took over from Nash Racela. “But the guys showed a lot of determination and I thought it made a difference.

The Elite came within three on a 3-pointer by Allan Maangahas, 89-92, but they missed seven of their next eight attempts.

The game ended at 77-all in regulation as Carl Cruz of Fruitas missed two shots from 3-point range in the last 30 seconds. Anjo Caram forced the second extra session by scoring on a driving layup with 32 seconds left, 84-all.

The Gems ended a six-game losing streak to the Road Warriors after getting solid efforts from Gab Banal and Raymond Aguilar.

The scores:

First Game

CEBUANA LHUILLIER 71—Banal 16, Aguilar 12, Dizon 12, Martinez 10, Zamar 8, Bautista 3, Buensuceso 3, Chiu 2, Padilla 2, Lopez 1, Elinon 0, Bustos 0.

NLEX 64—Camson 14, Pascual J. 8, Lanete 8, Ganuelas 7, Long 6, Garcia 5, Pascual R. 4, Alas 4, Villarias 3, Salva 3, Herrmida 2, Amer 0.

Quarters: 15-17, 33-32, 50-48, 71-64

Second Game

FRUITAS 95—Lastimosa 21, Pinto 14, Escoto 11, Pogoy 10, Cruz 9, Caram 8, Antonio 6, Tolomia 5, Escobal 4, Colina 3, Banal 0, Caperal 0.

BLACKWATER SPORTS 91—Mangahas A. 22, Llagas 19, Chua 16, Vigil 10, Ferrer 10, Celiz 7, Pe 4, Suguitan 2, Austria 1, Bagatsing 0, Ciriacruz G. 0.

Quarters: 22-14, 37-32, 63-62, 77-77 (reg), 84-84 (1st OT), 95-91