Jumbo, Blackwater dispute last berth

Game today (Ynares Arena)

3 p.m. – Blackwater Sports vs Jumbo Plastic

MANILA, Philippines - Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater Sports clash again today with no less than the fourth and last semifinal berth at stake in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

The Elite forced the sudden death with an 86-78 victory over the twice-to-beat Giants last Tuesday with Blackwater coach Leo Isaac confident of winning their fourth straight knockout game in the 3 p.m. match.

“It’s anybody’s ballgame but definitely the pressure is on their side,” said Isaac. “Momentum is on our side and we have the psychological advantage.”

The winner will face No. 2 Big Chill in the semis with top seed NLEX and Hog’s Breath Café disputing the other finals berth.

Blackwater Sports stayed alive by seizing control behind their suffocating half-court press that slowed down the Giants.

“Our mindset will be the same. We’ll dictate how we want the game to be played,” said Isaac.

The Giants defeated the Elite, 79-72, in overtime in the elims but failed to flash their killer instinct last Tuesday.

The inability of 6-7 center Jason Ballesteros to dominate the game and their 22 turnovers that netted Blackwater Sports 17 points made matters worse for Jumbo Plastic.