Shakers outlast Elite in two OTs

MANILA, Philippines - Fruitas wore down Blackwater Sports in second overtime and hacked out a 95-91 victory yesterday to grab the solo lead with three straight wins in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Carlo Lastimosa scored 21 points, the last two giving the Shakers a 92-86 in the second extra period, while Russel Escoto and Bryan Cruz combined for 25 rebounds.

Cebuana Lhuillier trounced a depleted NLEX side in the other contest, 71-64, to bounce back from a sorry setback to the Shakers last Monday.

“Frankly, I don’t know how we pulled through. But the guys showed a lot of determination and I thought it made a difference,” said Fruitas coach Eric Gonzales.

The Shakers opened the second extra period with an 8-2 run and took the lead for good at 92-86 with 1:59 remaining.  

The Elite pulled within three on a triple by Allan Mangahas but they missed seven of their next eight attempts, enabling the Shakers to pound out the victory.

The Shakers dominated the boards, 71-56.