PBA D-League: Ponferrada leads Big Chill past Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines—Big Chill relied on its defense in the final minute to defeat Blackwater, 58-55, in the 2011-2012 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at the San Juan Gym.

The Superchargers, who clinched a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, clung on to a two-point lead down the stretch and fended off all attempts of the Elite to tie the game.

Jewel Ponferrada, leading Big Chill with 13 points and 10 rebounds, swatted Neil Pascual’s putback with 15.1 ticks left in the game.

Big Chill concluded the elimination round with a 7-3 record and the fourth spot in the standings.

Blackwater, which floundered as the season progressed after a strong start, failed to maintain the momentum it got off a huge second-quarter showing.

The Elite missed key shots down the stretch even as Rocky Acidre misfired on a potential game tying triple at the buzzer.

Jeric Fortuna finished with 13 points while big man Mark Bringas added 10 points and five rebounds.

The Elite even held the advantage early in the second half before allowing the Superchargers to take charge and seize the victory.

Blackwater dropped to a 4-5 record after a 3-0 start.