Chemistry issues affect debuting Hapee in close win over AMA

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no denying the talent of the Hapee Fresh Fighters but their chemistry was still very much in question during their PBA D-League debut Monday.

Hapee, a star-studded team led by two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks and standout Garvo Lanete, needed to fight off AMA University, 69-61, in a game many deemed to end in a rout.

“This is not the real Hapee team yet,” said Nigerian center Ola Adeogun. “We just had few practices together so we’re still trying to get our chemistry.”

“We just had three practices before this game,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

The Fresh Fighters were on their way to a blowout in the third quarter when they led by 20, 52-32. But the Titans, spearheaded by their new recruit Philip Paniamogan, came back in the fourth quarter that pushed the Fresh Fighters to their limits.

“We let our guard down and if you do that you open yourself up to things like this,” said Magsanoc. “This was a test for us.”

Forward Troy Rosario led Hapee in scoring with 12 points. Parks added 11 points, six rebounds and five assists while Lanete had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Dealing with unfamiliarity, Hapee turned the ball over 20 times with AMA only committing 11 miscues.

Paniamogan had 14 while Joseph Eriobu chipped in 12 for the Titans, who dropped to 0-2.

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