Big Chill chills JRU in D-League debut

THE Big Chill Superchargers debuted in style as they leaned on a game-winning putback by Mark Canlas to escape the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 77-76, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Big Chill was down by one with eight seconds remaining when off a timeout, Far Eastern University star Terrence Romeo missed a jumper. Fortunately, Canlas grabbed the looseball and went straight to the rack for the buzzer-beating lay-in.

The Superchargers appeared to be in control in the final canto as they led, 73-65 after makes from Canlas and former University of San Jose-Recoletos guard, Mar Villahermosa. But the Bombers persevered and came back to tie the game at 75-all after five straight points by Rocky Acidre with 58 seconds remaining.

Later, big man Dexter Maiquez hit one of two free-throws with 20.6 seconds left to give JRU a, 76-75 advantage leading to Canlas’ heroics.

Canlas finished with 14 points while Romeo chipped in 13 points. Janus Lozada added 11 markers while Arvie Bringas had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

BOX SCORE

Big Chill (77) — Canlas 14, Romeo 13, Lozada 11, Bringas 10, Canta 8, Montilla 7, Montecastro 6, Villahermosa 6, Santos 2, Semira 0, Collado 0.

Air21-JRU (76) — Maiquez 19, Acidre 17, Mirza 10, Apinan 10, Lopez 7, Caperal 5, Villarias 4, Pinto 2, Miranda 2, Dela Paz 0, Almario 0, Ighalo 0. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio