Hapee rips Liver Marin; AMA U pips Tanduay

HAPEE playmaker Kirk Long almost loses possession as he tries to pivot off Liver Marin’s Bradwyn Guinto (left) and Mike Calisaan. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Troy Rosario and Scottie Thompson made Hapee play like a contender again as the Fresh Fighters ripped Liver Marin-San Sebastian, 74-50, to clinch its first win in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at JCSGO Gym.

Rosario pumped in 16 of his 20 points in the first half and Thompson collected 11 points, 11 boards and six assists to fuel the Fresh Fighters’ strong start, unlike in last week’s shock loss where last conference’s champions looked out of sorts.

“It’s an important win for the players’ confidence,” said coach Ronnie Magsanoc as his Fresh Fighters try to adjust to the departure of the San Beda standouts and the injuries that hit several key players.

Earlier, Jay-R Taganas continued to impress as AMA University slipped past Tanduay Light, 76-74, to notch its second win in three games.

Taganas, the burly center who set a league record of 29 rebounds in a single game last week, played hero this time as he buried the game-winner with 2.2 seconds left.

“It was a lucky shot,” said Taganas, who posted his third straight double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Marcy Arellano’s free throw with 18.1 ticks left tied the game at 74, before Oda Tampus made the most out of the Titans’ last play when he spotted an open Taganas near the foul line.

The Fresh Fighters, who rebounded from a 61-64 upset loss to Jumbo Plastic, played minus league MVPs Ray Parks (shoulder injury) and Garvo Lanete (knee injury).

The scores:

First Game

AMA UNIV. 76—Taganas 16, Maiquez 14, Tampus 11, Martinez 11, Arellano 9, King 3, Angeles 0.

TANDUAY LIGHT 74—Sumang 13, Escueta 11, Mariano 11, Jumao-as 9, Ilagan 6, Mandani 5, Santos 4, Belencion 4, Foronda 3, Tagarda 2, Cenal 2, Roño 2, Dela Pas 2, Eriobu 0.

Quarters: 11-27, 37-39, 58-56, 76-74

Second Game

HAPEE 74—Rosario 20, Thompson 11, Newsome 11, Romero 11, Bringas 8, Long 6, Villahermosa 3, Hayes 2, Lopez 2, Elorde 0, Gamboa 0, Gabo 0.

LIVER MARIN-SSC 50—Dela Cruz 8, Bangga 7, Balucanag 6, Ignacio 5, De Vera 5, Ortuoste 5, Guinto 4, Mag-isa 4, Fabian 2, Calisan 2, Rios 1, Laude 1, Costelo 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 23-14, 36-25, 56-32, 74-50