Blackwater escapes Big Chill for solo lead

PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE6 – Terrence Romeo of Big Chill is confronted by Paulo Pe of Blackwater. PBA PHOTO/NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater Sports overcame a shaky finish to survive Big Chill, 85-83, Tuesday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

The Elite looked well on their way to a win up, 85-75, on a putback by Justin Chua with only 1:48.

“We have to maintain our composure,” said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac.

Blackwater though was far from composed – not after back to back turnovers that allowed Big Chill to creep back in, 83-85, with 19.2 ticks left and with possession.

Fortunately for the Elite, they held their ground defensively that had the Superchargers missing their final two cracks at the basket.

Rob Celiz secured the defensive rebound before clutching the ball – laying flat on his back – as the clock expired.

Chua led the league-leading Elite, who upped their record to 6-1, with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Big Chill drew big numbers from Terrence Romeo, Alex Nuyles and Mac Montilla.

Romeo topscored with 24 points but only had one point in the final frame after going off for 21 of his team’s 29 points in the third period.

Nuyles had 20 points while Montilla added 18, including an easy basket that pulled Big Chill, which dropped to 3-4, to within two, 83-85, with 25.6 ticks left.

Pari Llagas also notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Blackwater, which played sans its key player Kevin Ferrer.