Erase Plantcenta edges Boracay Rum to boost PBA D-League playoff hopes

Erase Plantcenta moved to sixth spot after a 69-66 win over Boracay Rum Tuesday, boosting the Erasers' playoff hopes in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Marlon Gomez secured an important rebound in the final moments of the game to help the Erasers secure their third win in seven outings. Boracay Rum, down by two points (67-65), had the chance to tie the game but guard Stephen Siruma missed his second free throw for a 67-66 count. Maclean Sabellina grabbed the offensive rebound but his follow came up short. Gomez collared the ball and was fouled by Siruma with 4.2 seconds left in the game. The Erase Plantcenta big man made both free throws for the final tally. The Erasers bounced back from an 85-76 defeat against defending champion NLEX with the win, but will have Big Chill and Cebuana Lhuillier for their final assignments. "Medyo mabigat ang laban," said Erase Plantcenta coach Yong Garcia, referring to their bid to secure the last quarterfinal berth. "I just kept reminding the players to keep their focus. We'll see what happens." Allan Mangahas powered the Erasers with 18 points while Macky Acosta added 11 markers. Toto Bandaying led Boracay with 12 points while Kokoy Hermosisima chipped in 10. Erase Plantcenta was holding on to a slim 52-50 lead when Acosta and Anthony Del Rio completed back-to-back three-point plays for an eight-point spread. Boracay Rum scored five straight points but Mangahas made a three-pointer, 63-57. The Waves, however, still made the game interesting with Siruma capping an 8-4 run to trim the deficit to two, 67-65. — JVP