Hog’s Breath came through with a big run late in the game to trounce Blackwater Sports, 73-63, and clinch a playoff berth yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Trinity University of Asia gym.
Jamil Gabawan starred for the Razorbacks as he sparked a 9-0 run following a completed a three-point play, giving them a 62-61 lead with 3:28 left.
The Letran standout also forced a turnover on the ensuing play and then found Paul Sanga for a transition basket.
Gabawan, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds, capped off that blitz with a basket to stretch Hog’s Breath’s lead to 68-61 with 2:09 remaining.
The win hiked Hog’s Breath’s record to 9-3 while putting Blackwater’s own bid in peril as the Elite slipped to 6-5.
Big Chill leads the 14-team tournament with a 10-1 record, followed by defending champion NLEX (9-1) and Jumbo Plastic (10-3).
Kevin Racal led the way for the Razorbacks with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists while Sanga added 10 points and six boards.
The Elite got to within five points, 68-63, on two free throws by Jericho Cruz with 1:35 to go but Racal scored four quick points to put the game away.
Earlier, Cebuana Lhuillier played a spoiler as it defeated quarterfinals-seeking Cagayan Valley, 76-68.
Having been eliminated by NLEX the day before, the Gems came out firing with James Martinez sizzling for 20 points on four three-pointers and Jesse Bustos making nine points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals.
Cebuana improved to 5-6 while Cagayan dropped to 8-4. (Christian Jacinto)