Hapee completes D-League semifinal cast
Making sure not to blow its second chance, Hapee came out in full control to rip Jumbo Plastic, 75-64, and clinch the last Final Four berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.
San Beda standouts Art dela Cruz and Baser Amer teamed up early in the knockout quarterfinal match where the Fresh Fighters led all the way.
“I give it to the boys for working so hard,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “I was trying to find ways to win.”
The Giants pushed last conference’s champions to the brink of elimination after taking the quarterfinal opener, 87-83, last Monday.
But this time, the Fresh Fighters jumped to a 10-4 start and stayed in front the rest of the way as Troy Rosario and Chris Newsome helped build double-digit leads as high as 15 points, 71-56.
The Fresh Fighters, who will have to do without three more players in the semifinals, will clash with No. 1 Cebuana Lhuillier in a best-of-three encounter starting Monday.
The scores:
HAPEE 75—Dela Cruz 18, Amer 17, Rosario 13, Newsome 12, Adeogun 6, Thompson 4, Elorde 3, Long 2, Sorela 0, Kyoga 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 64—Sanga 13, Arellano 10, Jalalon 10, Khobuntin 6, Mandani 6, Villamor 5, Eguilos 4, Mirza 4, Paniamogan 2, Perez 2, Avillanoza 2, Tiongson 0.
Quarters: 22-15, 35-30, 52-44, 75-64
