BLACK Mamba defeated Hyperwash, 91-83, to close in on a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Bobby Balucanag shot a perfect 10-of-10 from the field to rack up 21 points and also had nine rebounds.
He helped spark a 12-5 spurt that allowed the Energy Drink to wiggle away from a 79-76 game to a 91-81 advantage with 1:17 remaining.
"Sabi ko nga, we'll try to win this game to be close sa playoff spot. I think we're safe already," said coach Vis Valencia.
Jett Vidal had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, Kim Medina added 13 points, and PJ Barua got 12 for the Energy Drink, which improved to a 3-1 card in Group B.
Lord Casajeros topped the struggling Vipers (2-3) with 17 points.
Khasim Mirza had 14 points, while Arvie Bringas scored 11 for Hyperwash.
The scores:
Black Mamba 91 - Balucanag 21, Vidal 14, Medina 13, Barua 12, Tayongtong 6, Santiago 5, Carongoy 4, Castro 4, Bolos 3, Caranguian 3, Boholano 2, Derige 2, Gadon 2, Sison 0.
Hyperwash 83 - Casajeros 14, Mirza 14, Bringas 11, Montilla 10, Cawaling 8, Julkipli 7, Fortuna 4, Buenafe 4, Dadjilul 4, De Ocampo 2, Ferrer 2, Cariaga 0, Jumao-as 0.
Quarterscores: 9-12; 23-23; 66-61; 91-83.