Fruitas shakes off poor start, upends Big Chill

MANILA, Philippines - Fruitas shook off a struggling start with a big third quarter run as it subdued Big Chill, 83-75, to regain its winning ways and solo second in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Carlo Lastimosa fired 24 points and fueled a third quarter surge by the Shakers, who turned in 37-42 deficit at the turn into a 55-53 lead heading to the fourth.

The Shakers then came through with clutch shots to frustrate the Superchargers and raised their record to 4-1 behind Blackwater’s 5-1 slate.

Lastimosa, held to a conference-low 12 points in their 74-80 loss to Cagayan Valley last week, went three-of-three in the third as Fruitas outscored their corporate rival, 18-11, to wrest control.

The Shakers also got 11 points apiece from Bryan Cruz and Gryann Mendoza. In the second game, EA Regen Med stunned Cagayan Valley, 103-92, to snap a two-game skid for a 2-2 card. The Rising Suns fell to 3-3.

Clark Bautista poured 13 points and Raymund Almazan had 11 markers and as many rebounds in the first half as Team Delta took a 51-43 lead at the break en route to their second win in four games.

Bautista finished with 25 points and Almazan wound up with 20 markers and 19 boards.