MANILA -- Aaron Black became only the second player to post three triple-doubles in the PBA D-League and led AMA to a 133-90 blowout of Hazchem on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City that earned the team a spot in the Foundation Cup quarterfinals.
The son of current Meralco coach Norman Black tied the D-League record set by Jeron Teng, who interestingly played for the Titans too, in style, erupting for 45 points, the sixth highest individual scoring output in league history, 18 assists, and 12 blocks as they set up the rout against the Green Warriors early on by outscoring them, 31-9, in the first quarter before stretching their lead to as high as 47 late in the game.
AMA's win came at an opportune time as it happened right on the birthday of its owner, Amable Aguiluz V.
"Nagbigay din ng motivation 'yung may-ari ng AMA, si Ambassador. Birthday niya, so gift namin 'to sa kanya (The ambassador motivated us. It's his birthday and this is our gift to him)," coach Mark Herrera said after the win.
Black was not the only guy to post at least a double-double as Dennis Santos had one too, making 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Titans locked in the fourth seed in Group A with a 3-3 record.
Reymark Matias made 28 points and five rebounds for the Green Warriors, who finished their stint at 1-5.
On the other hand, Asia's Lashes booked its own seat in the quarterfinals in style as well, subduing IWalk, 72-70, in the first game.
James Castro won it for the Soldiers with a layup that broke a 70-all tie with 46 seconds to play, but they, who actually blew a seven-point cushion midway in the fourth quarter, still had to dodge a bullet as Axel Inigo's teardrop that could have forced overtime just rimmed off as time expired.
"Masyado silang nagre-relax (They relaxed too much)," coach Alvin Grey said.
Castro and Jason Delfinado each scored 13 points for Asia's Lashes, which took the third seed in Group A.
Inigo made 18 markers and three assists for IWalk, which fell to 2-4.
In the nightcap, Hyperwash sealed its own playoff seat with a 70-64 victory against Italiano's Homme.
JR Cawaling posted 17 points and five rebounds to lead Hyperwash, who locked in the fourth seed in Group B.
Jun-Jun Bonsubre tallied 11 markers for the now also-ran Italiano's Homme. (PNA)
