Cebuana, Hapee seek second D-L title berth

HAPEE and Cebuana Lhuillier dispute the last championship berth of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“The momentum is neither with us nor with them,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar. ”It will be all about mental toughness.”

“We’ll try to play better defense against them,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “We’ll just do our best and do what it takes to get past them.”

The winner of the 3 p.m. duel will advance to a best-of-three Finals versus Cafe France, which clinched the first title slot after sweeping Cagayan Valley, 2-0, in their own semifinal series.

Propped up by Art dela Cruz and Ola Adeogun, the Fresh Fighters surprisingly disposed of the Gems easily in Game 1, 82-71, of their semifinal duel.

But just when the Fresh Fighters looked poised to wrap it up, the Gems unveiled a surprise in Game 2 as Allan Mangahas erupted for a league record 40 points for a 76-73 victory.

The Fresh Fighters had a shot at pulling off a series sweep with Adeogun (25 points) and Chris Newsome (15 markers) tallying their usual numbers in Game 2.

But Dela Cruz was hardly a factor as he wound up with only two points after sizzling with 23 points in the series opener.

Zamar, though, wants his Gems to stay focused even as the Fresh Fighters will again play minus five stalwarts, including national team members Troy Rosario, Baser Amer and Scottie Thompson.

“Hapee may be undermanned, but they’re winners, they’re champions,” said Zamar. “We haven’t proven anything. We may have topped the eliminations, but that doesn’t make us easy favorites.”