Elite grab early lead in Aspirants Cup
Blackwater romped past newcomer DUB Unlimited, 78-62, to wrest the early lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the San Juan Gym.
The Elite recorded their second win in as many games to take solo lead after beating another debuting team in Boracay Rum in the conference opener.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac admitted that he had little knowledge about their opponents prior to the game.
"What I knew was that they have veteran players. We just prepared ourselves on defense and play intelligent basketball," Isaac said.
Blackwater won't play until November 8 when it goes up against Café France but Isaac said that it's a welcome development for a team that didn't have time to prepare due to various commitments of their players.
"It's a good time to relax as a team and have more time to prepare the players for the conference," said Isaac.
Isaiah Ciriacruz had 17 points including nine in the pivotal third quarter while Jeric Fortuna tallied 14 markers and four assists for the Elite. Mark Bringas and Clarke Bautista added 12 and 10 markers each.
Blackwater broke away from a tight 32-27 contest at the turn with a 10-2 scoring exchange to enjoy its first double-digit spread.
Joseph Marata hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the period to give the Elite a commanding 58-42 advantage.
Raymond Aguilar and Jeric Teng accounted for nearly half of the Wheelers' output with 16 and 14 apiece for the Junel Mendiola-mentored squad. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News
Scores:
Blackwater 78—I. Ciriacruz 17, Fortuna 14, Bringas 12, Bautista 10, Marata 7, Pascual 5, Acidre 4, G. Ciriacruz 4, Afuang 3, Villanueva 3, Tan 0.
DUB Unlimited 62—Aguilar 16, Teng 14, Wong 6, Bolos 5, Bustos 5, Gamalinda 4, Hugnatan 4, Maniago 3, Melegrito 2, Zamar 0, Tapang 0.
Quarter scores: 21-14, 32-27, 58-42, 78-62.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/236535/sports/d-league-elite-grab-early-lead-in-aspirants-cup
