Hapee seizes lead; Wangs, AMA prevail

MAC Belo of MJM M-Builders and Earl Thompson and Jeth Troy Rosario of Hapee Fresh contest the rebound. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Showing poise at crunchtime, Hapee quelled MJM M-Builders’ late rally for a 79-66 triumph that gave the powerhouse Fresh Fighters the solo lead Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

Big men Ola Adeogun and Troy Rosario took care of business for the Fresh Fighters, who  regained control in the last five minutes after the Builders had sliced their 20-point advantage, 50-30, to just six points, 67-61.

“It’s a good test of character for the boys,” said coach Ronnie Magsanoc after Hapee rolled to its third straight victory. “When things are not going right, they come together and play tough defense.”

Adeogun finished with 18 points and eight boards, while Rosario shot 14 and grabbed seven rebounds.

In other games, Wangs outlasted newcomer Racal Motors, 80-72, for a 2-1 record, while AMA University picked up its first triumph with an 85-76 decision over MP Hotel.

Wangs pulled away from a deadlock at 67 with Rocky Acidre and Michael Miranda fueling a 13-5 windup in the last six minutes.

Acidre wound up with 15 points on top of six rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Miranda had 15 points and 11 boards.

Jay-R Taganas and Philip Paniamogan also delivered big for AMA down the stretch as MP Hotel struggled with just a bucket in the first eight minutes of the fourth period

Taganas posted a huge double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds, while Paniamogan poured 10 of his 16 points in the final period.

The Builders, who fell to 0-3 along with Racal, played without head coach Nash Racela following his ejection late in the second quarter.

Racela was slapped  a double technical for entering the court while arguing with game officials on a noncall.

The scores:
First Game

WANGS 80—Acidre 15, Miranda 15, Acosta 13, Pontejos 12, Montemayor 7, Acuña 5, Montuano 5, Mendoza 4, Rosopa 2, Arambulo 2, Lina 0.
RACAL MOTORS 72—Jamito 19, Viernes 13, Gregorio 10, Gabawan 9, Teodoro 7, Ruaya 6, Ortuoste 6, Asuncion 2, Ibay 0, Gil 0, Mercader 0, Saitanan 0, Publico 0.

Quarters: 19-19, 42-35, 63-59, 80-72
Second Game
HAPEE 79—Adeogun 18, Rosario 14, Amer 11, Parks 10, Thompson 9, Lanete 7, Newsome 5, Hayes 3, Dela Cruz 2, Van Opstal 0, Long 0.
MJM M-BUILDERS 66—Belo 16, Tolomia 10, Alolino 9, Khobuntin 8, Perez 7, Mendoza 7, Pogoy 6, Jose 2, Javelona 1, Cruz 0, Iñigo 0, Neypes 0.

Quarters: 21-10, 39-24, 63-48, 79-66

Third Game
AMA 85—Taganas 17, Paniamogan 16, Balucanag 13, Olivares 13, Eriobu 10, Purdy 7, Sabangan 5, Camasura 2, Cobillo 2, Jordan 0, Magpantay 0.
MP Hotel 76—Bulac 15, Calo 13, McCarthy 12, Allen 11, Pacquiao 8, Morillo 6, Sumido 3, Escosio 6, Yaya 2, Belorio 2, Collado 2, Hainga 0, Landicho 0
Quarters: 21-20, 40-46, 62-65, 85-76