Taha scatters 24 as Boracay Rum foils Blackwater’s outright semis bid

Allan Mangahas (dark/blackwater) vs Paolo Taha. Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines — Boracay Rum foiled Blackwater’s bid for an outright semifinals berth, stunning the league-leaders, 96-89, Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Paolo Taha exploded for 24 points for the Waves, who are assured of a seat in the playoffs and still got a fair shot at the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

But head coach Lawrence Chongson said they’re still focused right now on ending their elimination round on a winning note.

“Hindi pa namin iniisip yun. When we came here, our mindset was to ‘win or go home.’ I thought the we responded well,” said  Chongson.

Boracay Rum was in the zone against Blackwater, shooting 53.4 percent paired with 23 assists compared to the Elite’s 38.1 percent. They went on a 17-3 run in the third to break the game open.

Julius Pasculado and Stephen Siruma added 15 points apiece for the Waves, who are now at 6-4 tied with Cagayan Valley and EA Regen at fourth to sixth place.

Last assignment for Boracay Rum is Fruitas, which is at third place, 6-3, behind Blackwater (7-3) and NLEX (6-2).

“We definitely can’t take Fruitas lightly. They’re a tough team and really playing well. Good thing we have one week to prepare,” Chongson said.

It was a sorry loss for the Elite, who are just a victory away from the outright semifinals spot given to the top two teams at the end of eliminations.

Gio Ciriacruz scored 17 points and Kevin Ferrer added 15 for the Elite, who pulled within 50-54 early in the third quarter before the Waves pulled away.