HAPEE forward Chris Newsome shoots off Jumbo Plastic’s Jaymo Eguilos and Philip Paniamogan in yesterday’s game at JCSGO Gym. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Jumbo Plastic showed Hapee its campaign for consecutive titles will be one tough grind as the Giants hacked out a 64-61 upset of the Fresh Fighters Monday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym.
Juami Tiongson and Glenn Khobuntin fired 14 points each to lift the Giants, who held a 12-point lead in the last eight minutes, 55-43, before arresting the Fresh Fighters’ late run.
“This is our best chance to beat Hapee because most of their players are new,” Giants coach Stevenson Tiu said of the retooled champions who have to do without key San Beda players this conference.
Earlier, Alvin Abundo buried a clutch triple as Cafe France spoiled Tanduay Light’s bid to grab a share of the lead with a 68-62 triumph.
Abundo hit the crucial buffer shot with 10 seconds left to help the Bakers avoid another late meltdown after the Rhum Masters rallied within three, 65-62.
“Everybody was talking about Cafe France being a [choker], so I challenged the guys coming into the game,” said coach Egay Macaraya after his Bakers rebounded from an 85-86 loss to Cebuana Lhuillier where they blew a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Fresh Fighters still had a shot at stealing the game after a Scottie Thompson basket trimmed the deficit to 61-62, with 49 ticks left.
But the Fresh Fighters failed to capitalize on several end-game opportunities as Thompson, who topscored with 22 points, lost the ball in their last possession.
The scores:
First Game
CAFE FRANCE 68—Ahanmisi 16, Noble 15, Ebondo 9, Sedurifa 7, Galanza 6, Abundo 5, Jeruta 4, Miranda 2, Andrada 2, Batino 2, De Leon 0, Cortez 0.
TANDUAY LIGHT 62—Mariano 22, Sumang 9, Belencion 8, Jumao-as 6, Foronda 6, Eriobu 4, Santos 2, Ilagan 2, Dela Paz 2, Tagarda 1, Mandani 0, Cenal 0, Escueta 0, Roño 0.
Quarters: 7-13, 32-23, 52-43, 68-62
Second Game
JUMBO PLASTIC 64—Tiongson 14, Khobuntin 14, Villamor 8, Sabellina 6, Eguilos 6, Paniamogan 6, Rosales 4, Purdy 3, Avillanoza 3, Perez 0, Petilos 0.
HAPEE 61—Thompson 17, Newsome 12, Romero 8, Elorde 7, Rosario 7, Hayes 6, Gamboa 2, Parks 1, Villahermosa 1, Long 0, Bringas 0.
Quarters: 11-14, 33-26, 53-43, 64-61