Ola Adeogun celebrates after Hapee enters D-League finals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
A depleted Hapee pulled through and stunned top-seed Cebuana Lhuillier, 73-66, in their rubber match Thursday to barge in to the 2015 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Ola Adeogun scattered 20 points and six rebounds to carry the fourth-seed Fresh Fighters to a return trip to the championship series where they will face finals newbie CafeFrance.
“We’re just playing. Everybody thought we can’t do it because we’re missing key players. In the end, we got the win and that’s what happened,” said the Nigerian big man.
Art dela Cruz added 14 markers, five boards, and six assists, while Nico Elorde tallied 12 in the victory.
After Cebuana led 61-59 midway through the fourth period, Mar Villahermosa nailed the go-ahead trey followed by a barrage of Adeogun baskets and the Fresh Fighters went on to finish the game on a 14-5 tear.
“How we were able to get through it is a testament to the audacity of the players,” said coach Ronnie Magsanoc of Hapee’s emotional journey back to the top.
“You can see that we’re already drained. But I think the reason why they were challenged is because we’re facing the best team in the conference. In the end, it was all about the heart of the boys to make things happen.”
Hapee’s 2-1 series win marks the first time in D-League history where a number one seed failed to make it to the Finals.
Simon Enciso poured eight of his 18 points in the payoff period, as a hobbled Moala Tautuaa finished with 12 markers for Cebuana Lhuillier, which ended its Foundation Cup campaign losing four of its last five outings.
Hapee and CafeFrance begin their best-of-three Finals series on Thursday, 3 p.m. at the same venue. CFC
The Scores:
Hapee 73 – Adeogun 20, Dela Cruz 14, Elorde 12, Newsome 8, Long 6, Villahermosa 6, Romero 4, Koga 3, Mendoza 0, Sorela 0.
Cebuana Lhuillier 66 – Enciso 18, Tautuaa 12, A. Mangahas 11, Zamar 8, Lopez 8, Sarangay 4, Van Opstal 4, J. Mangahas 1, Corpuz 0, Acosta 0, Cabrera 0, Bautista 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 33-26, 55-49, 73-66.