PBA D-League: Junior Powerade spoils Pacific Pipes’ quarterfinals bid

MANILA, Philippines—Junior Powerade ended its campaign on a winning note following a pulsating 87-79 overtime win over RnW Pacific Pipes Tuesday in the 2012 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the humid San Juan Gym.

Alvin Padilla flourished with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, including a lob pass to Claude Cubo that forged extra session with both teams knotted at 72.

“Before the game we talked about not going out with a whimper. We wanted to end it on a bright note with a win and we knew we could beat RnW,” said JR Powerade head coach Ricky Dandan.

Padilla scored seven points in overtime, where JR Powerade outscored Pacific Pipes, 15-7.

The Tigers got off to a blistering start and led 31-16 after a basket by Diony Hipolito in the second quarter.

The Steelmasters, who botched their chance to clinch a quarterfinals slot, battled back and even took a 72-70 lead in the waning seconds before Padilla and Cubo connected on that last-second alley-oop.