JUSTIN Chua and Allan Mangahas came through in the clutch as Blackwater Sports nipped EA Regens, 71-67, yesterday to strengthen its hold of the solo lead at 7-1 in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Chua completed a three-point play with 26 seconds left for the final tally after Mangahas, who flirted with a triple double, scored back-to-back baskets that gave the Elite a 68-67 edge.
“I reminded the boys during our last time out to hang in there and keep their focus and they did exactly what they were told,” said Blackwater coach Leo Austria.
In the second game, Boracay Rum tied its victim at 5-3 as the Waves downed Café France, 55-50, behind Toto Bandaying’s 12 points.
Gio Ciriacruz paced the Elite with 17 points, while Mangahas collected 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The Elite, though, found their dugout ransacked by thieves after the game, prompting PBA commissioner Chito Salud to assure them that the league will replace all lost valuables.
“We will request a thorough investigation and full compensation and replacement of the lost property, if warranted by the circumstances,” said Salud.
The scores:
First Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 71—Ciriacruz 17, Mangahas A. 15, Chua 11, Celiz 8, Llagas 7, Bagatsing 2, Vigil 2, Ferrer 2, Pe 2, Mangahas J. 2, Suguitan 2, Austria 1, Mazo 0.
EA REGENS 67—Sangalang 14, Terso 12, Bautista 10, Aquino 9, Maiquez 6, Almazan 5, Sanga 3, Semira 3, Tolentino 2, Ko 2, Apinan 1, Allen 0, Miranda 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 34-30, 49-50, 71-67
Second Game
BORACAY RUM 55—Bandaying 12, Eguilos 8, Taha 7, Pasculado 6, Ilagan 6, Sabellina 5, Viernes 4, Rosopa 4, Acibar 3, Fernandez 0, Arellano 0, Tagarda 0, Siruma 0.
CAFE FRANCE 50—Lopez 11, Knuttel 9, Rogado 6, Silungan 5, Magat 5, Parala 4, Gallardo 3, Magbitang 3, Batino 2, Maconocido 2, Abundo 0.
Quarters: 10-10, 27-27, 44-41, 55-50