Erase Plantcenta torches Boracay Rum behind Mangahas’ efforts

MANILA, Philippines – Erase Plantcenta leaned on its steady free throw shooting in clutch and bagged a crucial 69-66 triumph over Boracay Rum Tuesday in the 2012 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

The Erasers, on a better position to grab a coveted quarterfinals spot with a 3-4 slate, drew a perfect trip to the line from Allan Mangahas and Marlon Gomez in the final 40 ticks which pivoted them to the win.

Mangahas, a former Mapua standout who had a stint with San Miguel in the ABL, racked up 18 points and eight rebounds along with four assists and a steal.

Erase Plantcenta, carried by a consistent performance from Mangahas, tied with Cafe France for the sixth place – just a game behind Rnw Pacific Pipes in the standings.

The top two squad get an outright seat to the semis, while the next four will battle it out in the quarterfinals.

“I just tell my boys to take it one game at a time, we’re still 50-50, Cafe France has a lighter schedule than us and they have an advantage because they beat us,” said head coach Efren Garcia.

Boracay Rum, which skidded to 2-5 in the records, is slowly losing grip of its chances of making it to the playoffs.

A missed jump shot by Maclean Sabellina with 20 ticks left with and botched freethrows from Jeff Morial in the final second quashed the Waves chance of stealing the win.

Veteran Toto Bandying led Boracay Rum with 12 points in a losing effort.