Bombers, Elite forge Game 3s

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University pulled off a shock 108-94 win over top seed NLEX while No. 2 Blackwater Sports played true to form and stopped Cagayan Valley, 86-79, to force a pair of sudden deaths for the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup finals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Heavy Bombers startled the Road Warriors with a near-impeccable shooting all-day as John Villarias banged in 24 points and Philip Paniamogan and Dexter Maiques scored 20 points apiece for the Kalentong-based squad, which dealt the defending champions their most stunning setback thus far.

The Heavy Bombers, given not much of a chance after absorbing an 85-105 blowout in the series’ opener, scored 12 of the first 13 points and never allowed the Road Warriors to gain momentum the rest of the way.

“We didn’t make any adjustment. But the guys stepped up on defense and played aggressive. That made the big difference. Apparently, they don’t want to say goodbye yet,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

The pair of Game 3s will be played Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.

But while JRU scored a surprisingly easy win over NLEX, Blackwater had to go through a wringer to thwart Cagayan Valley.

Justine Chua scored 16 points to show the way for the Elite while Robby Celiz tallied 12 markers while holding Cagayan top gunner James Forrester to seven points on 3-of-5 shooting.

“I thought today we played good defense. The last time out we allowed Cagayan to do their thing so my challenge to the players to bounce back. I’m pleased they responded well,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

Eliud Poligrates scored 23 points and Ping Eximiniano added 15 for the Rising Suns, who committed 23 turnovers that netted the Elite 16 points.

“I think the pressure is now on their side (NLEX). We got nothing to lose. I think my team has over-achieved our expectations. Nobody had expected us to make the playoffs much more the semis. But now we have a chance to make the finals,” said Meneses.

Maiquez also imposed his will in the paint, pulling down 10 rebounds as JRU surprisingly won the battle of the boards, 46-37.

The Road Warriors, who trailed by as many as 16 points in the second quarter, rallied in the second half but just couldn’t shake off the determined Bombers, whose triples stymied the Warriors’ rallies in the stretch.

Villarias and Paniamogan had four three-pointers each while the team hit 10 of 22 treys in the game.

Nard Pinto scored 16 points and Khazim Mirza contributed 10 for the Heavy Bombers, who also played more as a team with 20 assists against NLEX’s 10.

Greg Slaughter and Kevin Alas each scored 15 points for the Road Warriors, who hit just 47 percent from the field (31-of 66).

Ian Sanggalang finished with 13 points, RR Garcia had 12 and Kirk Long added 11 for the NLEX.