Blackwater repulses Cafe France

THE Blackwater Sports Elite averted disaster, thanks to Robby Celiz, who scored 10 of his 21 points in the final canto to help them pull off an 86-81 win over the Café France Bakers in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Elite led by just three points when the 6-foot-4 reserved forward scored on a runner in the lane then buried a three-pointer in a 7-0 run as Blackwater stretched the lead to 78-68 to seal the deal with a little over five minutes remaining in the game.

Allan Mangahas also ably filled in the void left by former lead guard Jeric Fortuna with 14 points and had six assists.

Meanwhile, the Jumbo Plastic Giants beat the Hogs Breath Razorbacks, 81-55.

The Giants shot 62 percent (10 of 16) in the first quarter and were up 26-9 by the end of the period.

The Razorbacks, who made just 3 of 13 attempts in the period, never recovered.

Aljon Mariano scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds to show the way for the Giants for the second straight game. Elliot Tan scored 13 while Marvin Hayes added 11 and six assists for Jumbo Plastic, which shot 54 percent for the game. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio