Llagas fuels Elite charge over Icons

MANILA, Philippines - Pari Llagas turned in another double-double job of 18 points and 11 rebounds as Blackwater Sports waylaid Informatics, 89-73, to regain solo second in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Elite seized control by closing the first quarter with an 18-9 run then built double digit leads in the second half to post their fourth win in five games.

Fruitas paces the field with a 3-0 mark. 

Earlier, Cebuana Lhuillier made eight three-pointers in the first half as it smothered Hog’s Breath, 84-62, to join Boracay Rum at fourth with a 3-2 mark.

“We’re just trying to win as many games as we could in the eliminations and see where it will take us. If our effort will be good enough to get us in the semifinals well and good. But at the moment we’re just focus on winning games,” said Blackwater Sports coach Leo Isaac.

The 11-day break didn’t seem to slow down the Elite, who played with a lot of energy and great determination.

In fact, Isaac used all his 14 players as they gear up for tougher games ahead. 

“I want them all to experience the same exposure I’m giving the starters like (Allan) Mangahas, Llagas and (Kevin) Ferrer. My starters can’t play consistent all throughout the tournament so I might as well give my reserves the minutes they deserve at this time,” said Isaac.

All but two of the players he fielded in scored two or more points.

The Icons fell to 0-4.