Blackwater Sports leaned on its big men to outlast Big Chill, 85-83, at JCSGO Gym yesterday and strengthen its hold of the top spot in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Justin Chua (17 points and 13 rebounds) and Pari Llagas (16 points and 10 rebounds) helped the Elite survive a furious fightback by the Superchargers, who nearly wiped out a 19-point deficit, 32-51, early in the second half.
Defending champion NLEX, meanwhile, sustained its steady climb from a 0-2 start with an 85-79 victory over Cagayan Valley in a rematch of last conference’s finals.
Nico Salva buried 17 points and Ronald Pascual added 14 to lead the Road Warriors to their fourth win in six games.
Big Chill had Alex Nuyles and Mac Montilla teaming up in the closing minutes to trim the Elite’s lead to just a basket, 85-83.
But the Superchargers blew two chances to forge overtime with Terrence Romeo and Isaac Holstein missing their shots.
The scores:
First Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 85—Chua 17, Llagas 16, Mangahas J. 12, Mangahas A. 9, Pe 6, Celiz 6, Ciriacruz G. 5, Vigil 4, Mazo 3, Austria 3, Bagatsing 2, Suguitan 2.
BIG CHILL 83—Romeo 24, Nuyles 20, Montilla 18, Bringas 6, Canlas 4, Holstein 3, Santos 3, Lozada 3, Heruela 2, Dumapig 0, Villahermosa 0.
Quarters: 21-15, 45-30, 70-59, 85-83
Second Game
NLEX 85—Salva 17, Pascual R. 14, Camson 11, Ganuelas 10, Pascual J. 10, Lanete 7, Garcia 5, Villarias 3, Alas 2.
CAGAYAN VALLEY 79–Webb 13, Celeda 13, Jamito 12, Exciminiano 12, Cruz 11, Poligrates 9, Bringas 9, Lao 0, Melano 0.
Quarters: 27-23, 41-38, 69-63, 85-79