Elite rip Rising Suns, advance to quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Blackwater Sports romped away with a 106-82 victory over a hapless Cagayan side to advance to the quarterfinal round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the San Juan gym yesterday.

AJ Mandani scored 18 points while four other players scored in double figures for the Elite, who bounced back from back-to-back losses to improve to 5-3.

The Elite used a strong start to wrest control and never gave the Rising Suns a chance for a comeback.

“It’s tough to bounce back after losing two games in row. But the players knew we have to win to make the next round and they responded well,” said Blackwater Sport coach Leo Isaac.

In the other game, Jr Powerade bowed out in style as it stunned RnW Pacific Pipes, 87-79, in overtime.

Alvin Padilla scored eight of his game-high 19 points in the extra period, including a three-point play that gave the Jr. Tigers an 80-75 lead for a 3-9 record.

Mike Cubo, who tallied 11 points, buried a jumper with 3.5 seconds left to force overtime.

The Steel Masters dropped to 4-4.

Gio Ciriacruz scored 15 points, Kelly Nabong and Jeric Fortuna had 14 markers apiece while Clark Bautista chipped in 11 for the Elite, who opened a 13-point lead after one quarter and stretched it to 55-35 at halftime.

Nabong also pulled down 16 rebounds.

Blackwater Sports posted its biggest lead at 104-73 on a basket by Mandani with 1:43 left to play.

It was another frustrating defeat for Cagayan, which got 25 points from Jason Melano.

The Rising Suns remain winless in eight games with one schedule left in the elims.