Hapee five grabs solo lead; MJM, Racal score

HAPEE’S Bobby Ray Parks is fouled before he can dunk by Jebb Bulawan of Bread Story in yesterday’s game at Ynares Center in Pasig. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Ray Parks presided over a blazing start that carried Hapee to a 67-52 romp over Bread Story-Lyceum yesterday and the solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Parks, a two-time UAAP MVP, dropped 10 of his 18 points in the first quarter as the Fresh Fighters roared to a 22-10 lead and the rest of their star-studded squad kept Hapee comfortably ahead en route to a fourth straight win.

“It was a good start,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc, whose crew held the Pirates to just four points in the fourth quarter. “For us to sustain our initial effort, we have to play defense well.”

MJM M-Builders and Racal Motors, meanwhile, picked up their first victory in four outings after downing separate opponents.

The Builders routed AMA University, 90-75, to halt their three-game skid while Racal welcomed new coach Caloy Garcia with a 74-65 win over MP Hotel in a battle of newcomers.

The Fresh Fighters pulled ahead by 21 points, 37-16, behind NCAA MVP Earl Scottie Thompson, former league MVP Garvo Lanete and San Beda ace Baser Amer. Kirk Long took charge in the second half for Hapee, firing nine of his 11 points from three-point range.

Mac Belo drained 19 points on an 8-of-10 shooting clip to lead five Builders in twin digits.

“Team chemistry was a factor,” said Builders coach Nash Racela, whose squad is built around the stars of UAAP titlist National University and runner-up Far Eastern University.

Jeff Viernes paced Racal with nine points and five assists, while Raymond Jamito also scored nine and grabbed 12 rebounds.