INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Flashing its familiar dominance, Hapee Toothpaste raced to an early 24-point advantage, then grabbed a firm hold of the lead the rest of the way for a 96-80 pummeling of Noosa Shoes to claim solo second in the Philippine Basketball League Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Complete Protectors wasted no time in avenging its first-round upset loss to the Shoe Stars, 77-76, as Mark Borboran and Jervy Cruz pounced early for a 15-2 start that grew to a 43-19 spread.

Borboran and Cruz drained 18 points apiece, while Larry Rodriguez scattered 12 markers and nine boards as the Complete Protectors climbed to 6-3, just a game and half behind the unbeaten Harbour Centre.

"For the first time, I'm very satisfied with the defensive effort of the team," said Hapee coach Louie Alas. "But we can do better than that. They should embrace our defensive system."

Fil-Am Gabe Norwood also showcased his all-around game with 10 points, 11 boards and five assists.

The scores:
HAPEE 96 -- Borboran 18, Cruz 18, Rodriguez 12, Juntilla 10, Norwood 10, Grijaldo 8, Hugnatan 7, Espiritu 3, Saguindel 3, Tan 2, Quinday 2, Mercado 2, Daa 1, Ranises 0, Viray 0.

NOOSA SHOES 80 -- Mangahas 17, Nocom 13, Dela Peña 10, Serios 10, Javier 9, Robles 9, Vizcarra 8, Celada 2, Pradas 2, Burtscher 0, Evangelista 0, Agustin 0, Co 0. Quarters: 27-10, 55-35, 80-61, 96-80