BLACKWATER Sports escaped Erase Xfoliant's late game surge, 82-76, in the 2012-2013 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Blackwater pulled away from a tied ball game, 71-all, with a 7-0 run capped by a Jeric Fortuna three-point play for a 78-71 lead with a minute and 35 seconds remaining on the clock.
Erase retaliated as Kevin Racal drained a triple followed by a Dave Najorda jumper to move within two, 76-78.
But Gio Ciriacruz's undergoal stab widened the gap en route to Blackwater's victory.
"Parang sluggish kasi at the back of their minds assured na sila sa semis kaya relax na lang," said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac."
"Noong first quarter Erase ang nagdictate ng up to the second quarter kaya sa half time we made some adjustments to control (Jett) Vidal," he added.
Allan mangahas came up with 14 points for Blackwater, while Kevin Ferrer and Louie Vigil added 13 and 10, respectively.
"Hopefully this game pushes us through and build confidence to the semifinals… ang hirap i-emphasize na kahit no bearing kailangan magtrabaho," said Isaac.
Racal finished with 26 points, Vidal had 14, while Najorda and George Allen had 13 and 10, respectively, for Erase Xfoliant.
The scores:
Blackwater Sports (82) - Mangahas 14, Ferrer 13, Vigil 10, Ciriacruz, G. 9, Mazo 7, Llagas 6, Fortuna 6, Abdul 5, Chua 4, Pe 4, Celiz 4, Bagatsing 0, Lo 0, Ciriacruz, I. 0.
Erase Xfoliant 76: Racal 26, Vidal 14, Najorda 13, Allen 10, Corpuz 9, Bartolo 4, Luib 0, Acidre 0, Stevens 0
Quarterscores: 17-16; 38-45; 63-60; 82-76.
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