Elite rout RnW five, claim last quarter berth

MANILA, Philippines - Blackwater picked up its rhythm in the third quarter to defeat RnW Pacific Pipes, 65-48, yesterday in their knockout for the last quarterfinal berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the San Juan Arena.

Isiah Ciriacruz scored all his 11 points second half, including nine in the third period to spark a decisive run by the Elite, who snapped a six-game losing skid and finished the elims with a 5-5 record.

After a poor 28 percent shooting stint in the first half, the Elite made eight of their 14 shots in the third as they led by as many as 16 points. Blackwater outscored the Pacific Pipes, 25-11, in the third.

“We had to be in this kind of situation to get our game going. But I’m glad we made it,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

The quarters start tomorrow with No. 5 Blackwater facing No.4 Big Chill and third seed Freego Jeans taking on No. 6 Boracay Rum.

Big Chill and Freego Jeans enjoy twice-to-beat edges.

Earlier, NLEX foiled Café France’s backdoor bid as it ran away with a 107-89 romp to close out its elims campaign with an eight-game winning streak.

RR Garcia scored 14 of his 25 points in the third as the Road Warriors (9-1) outscored the Bakers, 35-15, to rip the game open.

Garbo Lanete scored 14 points, Ian Sanggalang added 13 while Chris Hodge and Calvin Abueva had 10 rebounds apiece as NLEX dominated the boards, 59-36.

Café France had hope to pull off a surprise over the Foundation Cup champion for a playoff for the last quarters seat. The  Bakers finished the elims with a 4-6 mark.