Elite repulse Bakers, seize D-League lead
MANILA, Philippines - Isiah Ciriacruz and Clark Bautista hit clutch shots late in the third quarter as Blackwater survived Café France, 92-86, to wrest the solo lead with three straight wins in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Lyceum gym yesterday.
The Elite struggled against the tough-defending Bakers majority of the way but Ciriacruz and Bautista took over late in the third period as they broke away from a shaky one-point lead to post double-digit spreads en route to victory.
Ciariacruz rifled in a triple then scored on a fastbreak while Bautista drained two triples and made a pair of free throws as Blackwater closed out the third period with 20-10 run to establish control.
Blackwater, owned by former PBL chair Dioceldo Sy, goes for No. 4 against an equally tough Freego Jeans tomorrow.
RnW Pacific Pipes made the big stops in the closing minute and turned back DUB Unlimited, 78-77, in the second game.
Kevin Racal and Jovit dela Cruz completed a 6-0 run and the Steelers held the Wheelers scoreless in the final 1:20 to cap their comeback from a 73-77 deficit for their first win in two games.
DUB Unlimited fell to 0-3.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=69&articleid=746160&keyword=sp_pba
