Big Chill nips DUB, gains share of lead

MANILA, Philippines - Jessie Collado completed a three-point play with 15.3 seconds left as Big Chill turned back an upset-conscious DUB Unlimited, 62-61, to gain a share of the lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Alex Mallari and Collado each scored 13 points apiece to show the way for the SuperChargers, who notched their third consecutive win to tie Cebuana Lhuillier and Freego Jeans in the lead.

The loss was fourth straight for the hardluck Wheelers, who took a 57-51 lead with a little over four minutes to play but cracked down the stretch.

Earlier, Jordan Sanvictores came off the bench to fire eight points in the last 2:42 as RnW Pacific Pipes rallied to beat Café France, 80-76.

The 6-6 Sanvictores’ endgame heroics capped the Steel Masters’ fightback from 15 points down early in the period as they evened their card at 2-2. Sanvictores finished with 17 points.

“The guys didn’t give up. We just keep battling and made the stops in the end,” said RnW Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson.

Fil-Am Virgil Buensuceso debuted with 19 points to show the way for the Steel Masters, who struggled and trailed for three quarters but outscored the Bakers, 29-13, in the final period to turn the game around.

The Bakers sat on a 69-54 cushion on two free throws by Mac Montilla with 8:36 left in the contest but made just 28 percent (5-of-18) of their shots in the fourth while committing seven turnovers.

Montilla and Jeff Viernes each hit 22 points but combined for just seven in the fourth as Café France tumbled to its third straight loss.