Waves 3rd quarter surge rips Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - Boracay Rum outhustled Arellano U in the third quarter and snapped a three-game skid with a 71-63 victory over Arellano University yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

Chris Banchero scored a game-high 20 points while Stephen Siruma and Roider Cabrera added 11 points each for the Waves, who booked their third win against five setbacks.

The loss dropped the Chiefs to 1-6 in a tie with the Derulo Accelero Oilers.

“We got into this situation because of the quirks of the schedule. We were pitted against strong teams early. But we’re taking it as a challenge. Hopefully, things would be better,” said Boracay coach Lawrence Chongson.

Jack Arquero finished with 14 points and Moncrief Rogado added 10 for Arellano, which took its fourth straight loss.

The Chiefs took the first two quarters and hung on to a 43-41 lead towards the end of the third period. But the Waves strung up six straight points to seize a 56-48 lead and never looked back.

Wangs Basketball stayed in the hunt for a playoff berth by beating Derulo Accelero, 81-71, in the other game.

Michael Juico tallied 25 points, had five assists and three steals, John Lopez contributed 14, Jonathan Banal had 11 and MAcky Acosta added 10 for the Couriers, who rebounded from a 59-75 blowout against Jumbo Plastic last week to improve to 3-4 record. Derulo Accelero fell to 1-7.