Black Mamba stings Hyperwash

Games on Monday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)

1:30 p.m. – Black Mamba vs BRT Sumisip Basilan

3:30 p.m. – CEU vs Hazchem

5:30 p.m. – McDavid-La Salle Araneta vs Alberei

MANILA, Philippines — Black Mamba sank Hyperwash, 91-83, to zero in on its goal of clinching a playoff spot in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Bobby Balucanag churned out an impeccable game with 21 points on a 10-of-10 clip that came with nine rebounds and a steal in just 26 minutes of action to lead Black Mamba to a third win against a lone loss.

Jett Vidal (14), Kimley Medina (13) and Peejay Barua (12) came through with solid support in scoring as the Energy Drink moved up to solo third in Group B behind playoff-bound squads BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare (4-0) and TIP (5-1).

A win against the unbeaten Saints next Monday would officially push them inside the quarterfinals of this 14-team tournament.

“We wanted this win to close in on our goal of sealing a playoff spot. I feel like we’re pretty safe at third place now with 3-1 card but we need one more to clinch it,” said Black Mamba coach Vis Valencia.

“Our team is slowly peaking up, just enough entering the playoffs. I’m confident in our chances,” he added.

From a close 80-75 win over Italiano’s Homme last Thursday, Black Mamba got off to a slow start, settling for just nine points in the opening frame.

But they found their mark later on behind the hot hands of Balucanag as they turned a close 69-67 upper hand into a comfortable 85-76 cushion.

Lord Hower Casajeros and skipper Khasim Mirza chipped in 17 and 14 markers for the Vipers who dropped to 2-3.

Meanwhile, Jomari Lacastesantos flirted with a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as Alberei notched its first win at the expense of slumping Italiano’s Homme, 61-51.

The scores:

First Game

BLACK MAMBA 91 – Balucanag 21, Vidal 14, Medina 13, Barua 12, Tayongtong 6, Santiago 5, Carongoy 4, Castro 4, Bolos 3, Caranguian 3, Boholano 2, Derige 2, Gadon 2, Sison 0.

HYPERWASH 83 – Casajeros 14, Mirza 14, Bringas 11, Montilla 10, Cawaling 8, Julkipli 7, Fortuna 4, Buenafe 4, Dadjilul 4, De Ocampo 2, Ferrer 2, Cariaga 0, Jumao-as 0.

Quarterscores: 9-12, 23-23, 66-61, 91-83

Second Game

ALBEREI 61 – Lacastesantos 15, Parreno 12, Rebollos 11, Tano 7, Palattao 4, Diaz 4, Ollano 4, Velasquez 4, Tomilloso 0, Perlas 0.

ITALIANO’S HOMME 51 – Monte 11, Villahermosa 10, Munsayac 6, Bonsubre 6, Pontejos 6, Neypes 5, Roy 4, Gozum 3, Cenal 0, Racho 0.

Quarterscores: 14-9, 30-22, 34-37, 61-51