JUMBO Plastic Linoleum stunned a new-look Hapee squad, 64-61, on Monday for its first win in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO Gym.
The Giants seized the opportunity against a Fresh Fighters squad that is now without San Beda Red Lions including Ola Adeogun and Baser Amer, leveling their record after losing their opener against Tanduay Light.
[See Tanduay Light rains triples on Jumbo Plastic to start Foundation Cup campaign on bright note]
Hapee, winner of the Aspirants Cup, is still trying to adjust to the loss of two San Beda players who are now focusing on the preparations from the NCAA season.
[See Hapee back-to-back title bid in peril as San Beda players told to concentrate on NCAA campaign]
“Kailangan naming manalo dito (against Hapee) habang bago pa ’yung mga players,” said Jumbo Plastic coach Steve Tiu. “Kapag natalo pa kami dito, nowhere na kami even sa quarterfinals.”
Juami Tiongson had nine of his 14 points in the second period as the Giants took control at the half, 33-26. Jumbo Plastic posted its biggest lead in the third quarter, 53-40.
The Fresh Fighters refused to give in, slicing the gap to 61-62 before Jaymo Eguilos nailed two crucial free throws with 6.6 seconds left in the fourth.
Scottie Thompson had 17 points but missed a game-tying triple at the buzzer, while last conference’s Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks scored just one point.
Garvo Lanete also didn’t play for Hapee due to a knee injury.
The scores:
Jumbo Plastic (64)—Tiongson 14, Khobuntin 14, Villamor 8, Sabellina 6, Eguilos 6, Paniamogan 6, Rosales 4, Purdy 3, Avillanoza 3, Perez 0, Petilos 0.
Hapee (61)—Thompson 17, Newsome 12, Romero 8, Elorde 7, Rosario 7, Hayes 6, Gamboa 2, Parks 1, Villahermosa 1, Long 0, Bringas 0.
Quarterscores: 11-14; 33-26; 53-43; 64-61.