Black Mamba bit the Hyperwash Vipers, 91-83, and inched closer to a playoff spot in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Bobby Balucanag led the Energy Drink’s well-deployed attack with 21 points on a perfect 10-of-10 field goal shooting, while also hauling down nine rebounds in the win.
Jett Vidal produced 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Kim Medina supplied 13 points. PJ Barua added 12 markers as Black Mamba improved its card to 3-1.
“Sabi ko nga, we’ll try to win this game to be close sa playoff spot. At 3-1, I think we’re safe already,” said coach Vis Valencia, as his side rose to third place in Group B.
Black Mamba seized control of the match late in the payoff period. They broke away from a close 79-76 lead with a 12-5 blitz, punctuated by Tayongtong’s free throws that brought them to 91-81 with 1:17 left to play.
JR Cawaling tried to spark one last run for Hyperwash with a lay-up seconds later, but the rest of the Vipers could not buy baskets in the clutch.
Lord Casajeros paced Hyperwash with 17 points in the loss that dropped the Vipers to 2-3.
Khazim Mirza had 14 points, while Arvie Bringas and Mac Montilla added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Scores:
Black Mamba 91 — Balucanag 21, Vidal 14, Medina 13, Barua 12, Tayongtong 6, Santiago 5, Carongoy 4, Castro 4, Bolos 3, Caranguian 3, Boholano 2, Derige 2, Gadon 2, Sison 0.
Hyperwash 83 –– Casajeros 14, Mirza 14, Bringas 11, Montilla 10, Cawaling 8, Julkipli 7, Fortuna 4, Buenafe 4, Dadjilul 4, De Ocampo 2, Ferrer 2, Cariaga 0, Jumao-as 0.
Quarterscores: 9-12, 23-23, 66-61, 91-83.
