HAPEE ON A ROLL IN D-LEAGUE PLAY
Hapee stayed on course for a sweep, an assumption fueled by their collection of bluechip collegiate stars, after nabbing its fourth straight win in the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup against Bread Story-LPU, 67-52, Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Bobby Ray Parks got hot early, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the first quarter, where the Fresh Fighters grabbed a 24-12 advantage.
Their defense soon clicked as well, limiting Bread Story to just four points in the second period as the Fresh Fighters went on to take a 37-16 edge at the half.
The Pirates fought back and cut the deficit to as low as 13, but the duo of Kirk Long and Art dela Cruz stopped the bleeding for Hapee and shut down Bread Story with their timely hits in the fourth period.
“We just had a very good start,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “I’m just happy with how the players are committed on playing really good defense. I think that spelled the difference in this game.”
Long wound up with 11 points, with Baser Amer contributing eight.
Earl Scottie Thompson showed why he is a do-it-all guard and the NCAA MVP with his six points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Bread Story leaned on Joseph Gabayni’s 14-point, 9-rebound, and 3-steal outing, but that was not enough as the Pirates fell to 1-3.
In the first game, Racal Motors drubbed MP Hotel for its first win of the season, 74-65.
It was a complete team effort for the Alibaba as they nabbed the victory in their first game under new coach Caloy Garcia, unleashing a furious third quarter tear and ended the period up 60-45.
Jeff Viernes and Raymond Jamito topscored for Racal with nine points apiece, as Raphy Reyes anchored the Alibaba with his eight markers and six assists.
“It’s a good win,” said Racal Motors head coach Garcia, who took over from coach Jinino Manansala who stepped down from the post after the Alibaba’s third loss.
“Medyo nangangapa pa kaming coaching staff and the players dahil nawala ako for three days. We’re still in a feeling out process.”
Wowie Escosio paced the Warriors (1-3) with 12 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.
In the third game, MJM also nabbed its first win of the season with a 90-75 victory over AMA University.
Mac Belo shot the lights out, shooting 8-of-10 from the field to finish with 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
“It’s nice to finally win in the D-League. Wala kaming practice kasi we had to play for the PCCL,” said MJM coach Nash Racela.
The M-Builders, composed of the core of the FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs, are fresh from their Elite Eight stint in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League in Cebu.
Mike Parala chipped in 14 points, Glenn Khobuntin added 12 markers, and both Raymar Jose and Dan Alberto fired 10 points apiece in the M-Builders’ breakthrough win this conference.
Joshua Cubillo topscored for the Titans with his 19 points, while Philip Paniamogan added 13. (RL)
The Scores:
First Game:
Racal Motors 74 – Viernes 9, Jamito 9, Reyes 8, Gabawan 7, Ibay 7, Mercader 7, Publico 7, Ambuludto 6, Ortouste 6, Di Gregorio 3, Ruaya 3, Asuncion 2, Gil 0, Saitanan 0.
MP Hotel 65 – Escosio 12, Yaya 10, McCarthy 8, Collado 6, Allen 5, Sumido 5, Bulac 4, Belorio 4, Masaglang 3, Calo 3, Pacquiao 3, Morillo 2, Hainga 0, Yusop 0.
Quarters: 16-13, 37-33, 60-45, 74-65.
Second Game:
Hapee 67 – Parks 18, Long 11, Amer 8, Lanete 7, Thompson 6, Dela Cruz 6, Adeogun 5, Rosario 3, Hayes 2, Van Opstal 1.
Bread Story-LPU 52 – Gabayni 14, Gamboa 9, Taladua 9, Vigil 7, Daquioag 4, Bulawan 3, Mbomiko 2, Baltazar 2, Corpuz 1, Lacastesantos 1, Lao 0, Elmejrab 0, Lasa 0.
Quarters: 24-12, 37-16, 53-38, 67-52.
Third Game:
MJM 90 – Belo 19, Parala 14, Khobuntin 12, Jose 10, Alberto 10, Tolomia 9, Tesoro 8, Inigo 5, Cruz 2, Mendoza 1, Pineda 0, Dennison 0.
AMA University 75 – Cubillo 19, Paniamogan 13, Eriobu 11, Camasura 10, Balucanag 9, Taganas 7, Ballesteros 2, Sabangan 2, Magpantay 2, Santiago 0, Purdy 0, Dizon 0, Cruz 0, Casajeros 0.
Quarters: 24-20, 47-34, 69-56, 90-75.
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