Hapee survives Burger in 2 OTs
Cruz putback gives Protectors thrilling 5th win
By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:31:00 03/28/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Jervy Cruz struck on a putback with two-tenths of a second left as Hapee Toothpaste sneaked past Burger King with a double overtime 85-83 triumph, putting life back to its sputtering campaign in the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Cruz, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, grabbed the crucial rebound off a three-point try by veteran guard Reed Juntilla in the dwindling seconds and scored the winning bucket. The win lifted the Complete Protectors into a tie with their victims at 5-3.
Regulation ended at 67-67 and the first overtime at 74-74.
“It’s good that the character of the team was still there even after our blowout loss,” said coach Louie Alas, referring to the 88-69 whipping his Complete Protectors took from Harbour Centre last Tuesday.
Point guard Earn Saguindel also knocked in key baskets in the second extra period, including a left-handed hook shot that gave the Complete Protectors an 83-81 edge, 39.4 ticks left.
Larry Rodriguez finished with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Bacchus Energy Drink also pulled off a 63-62 squeaker over San Mig Coffee in the first game. The victory snapped the three-game slide of the Raiders, who wrapped up their first round campaign with a 3-5 slate.
Before Cruz scored his lone bucket for Hapee in the two extensions, Abby Santos had tied the contest anew at 83 with 15.6 ticks left.
The Whoppers had the chance to put the game away in regulation, but Jayson Ballesteros split his charities.
Two free throws by Khiel Misa off a Saguindel foul with 53.1 ticks left knotted the game again at 74-74 to forge the second extra period.
The scores:
First Game
BACCHUS 63—Yee 19, Raymundo 14, Cruz 8, Luanzon 6, Labagala 6, Mondragon 5, Fampulme 5, Dizon 0, Dela Cruz 0, Williams 0, Mendoza 0.
SAN MIG COFFEE 62—Rañeses 18, Custodio 18, Bolocon 7, Solis 7, Alcaraz 4, Balneg 3, Dalafu 3, Del Rosario 2, Mabayo 0, Losentes 0, Arao 0, Saldua 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 40-29, 53-45, 63-62
Second Game
HAPEE 85—Rodriguez 21, Saguindel 20, Juntilla 12, Cruz 11, Borboran 6, Norwood 6, Daa 3, Mercado 3, Viray 2, Grijaldo 1, Ranises 0, Espiritu 0, Quinday 0, Hugnatan 0.
BURGER KING 83—Arellano 16, Misa 14, Baluyot 13, Santos 9, David 8, Ballesteros 7, Gregorio 7, Bravo 4, Barcellano 3, Bonus 2, Canlas 0, Popus 0.
Quarters: 14-8, 27-27, 49-45, 67-67 (reg), 74-74 (1OT), 85-83 (2OT)
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