Blackwater clinches quarterfinals spot in PBA D-League

Blackwater clinched a quarterfinals spot after scoring a 65-48 triumph over RnW Pacific Pipes in Tuesday's PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at The Arena in San Juan City. The Elite entered the quarterfinals with a 5-5 win-loss slate after an up-and-down conference as they will face third-ranked Big Chill in the next round on Thursday. Blackwater started the conference with a 3-0 record but suffered five straight setbacks and won a game off-the-court after Cobra's victory over the Elite was nullified due to technicality. "It had to be in this kind of situation for our players to wake up. We are glad that we have finally entered the winning column again," said Blackwater tactician Leo Isaac. Clarke Bautista led Blackwater with 13 points firing three three-pointers to set the tone for their much-needed victory. Isaiah Ciriacruz had 11 points, nine came in the third period when Blackwater took control of the match. RnW Pacific Pipes played the final two and a half minutes of the game without head coach Topex Robinson after he was tossed late in the fourth quarter for continuous complaining. RnW Pacific Pipes ended its conference with a 4-6 win-loss slate. Third-seed Freego Jeans and fourth-ranked Boracay Rum figure in the other quarterfinal match with the Jeans Makers owning a twice-to-beat incentive. — JVP, GMA News