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BACCHUS
Energy Drink finally came out of its shell and routed
Toyota Balintawak, 71-51, to snap its nine-game losing
streak in the 2008 Philippine Basketball League V-Go
Extreme Energy Drink Cup at The Arena yesterday.
Out of
contention for a quarterfinals berth, the Raiders closed
out their campaign on a high note and a 1-9 win-loss
card.
“At
least, nabunutan ako ng tinik. All of our games
are close, it’s nice to end our conference with a win,”
said Bacchus coach Lawrence Chongson.
Paul Sorongonof San Mig
Coffee takes on Allan Gamboa and Edwin Asoro of Harbour
Center. -- NONOYLACZA
The
Raiders, who collapsed in second half and absorbed a
heart-breaking 79-83 loss to Pharex last Tuesday, were
near flawless this time.
Rob
Labagala led the Raiders with 18 points, five rebounds
and as many assists, while Angel Raymundo chipped in 12
markers, six boards and four assists to help hand the
Road Kings their ninth loss in 14 games.
Hans
Thiele also made his presence felt by contributing a
double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Bacchus
switched to attack mode immediately in the first period
and built a 21-10 lead. The Raiders continued their
onslaught for a 42-21 advantage going into the second
half.
“We’ve
learned our lessons in our last game when we lost
against Pharex. We’re leading by as many as 15 points
but we weren’t able to sustain it. I’m glad that the
boys played consistently and aggressively this time to
get this victory,” Chongson added.
Toyota
Balintawak’s defeat paved way for a playoff for the
twice-to-beat advantage against Mail & More.
Defending champion Harbour Centre ended its pool rounds
campaign with a masterful 87-75 win over San Mig Coffee.
The
Batang Pier finished at second place with a 7-2 win-loss
card while the Coffee Kings dropped to 3-6.
Jerwin
Gaco and Benedict Fernandez led the balanced attack of
the Batang Pier with 11 points apiece while Gilbert
Malabanan added 10 markers.
Harbour
Centre and pacesetter Hapee Toothpaste already clinched
the first two semifinals berth.
Kevin
Dalafu banged in 17 points while Neil Pascual added
12 markers for the Coffee Kings, who are enjoying a
twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals where they
will meet the Pharex Medics on December 18.
In the
nightcap, Mail & More played steadier down the stretch
as it ripped Pharex, 75-70.
The win,
their fifth win in 10 games, enabled the Comets to force
a playoff with the Road Kings for the last twice-to-beat
incentive in the quarterfinals.
Mail &
More and Toyota Balintawak are tied at No. 4 with
similar 5-5 win-loss records. The Medics absorbed their
third loss in 10 outings.
Khiel
Misa took the Comets out of danger after completing his
pressure-packed free thows with 9.6 ticks left en route
to snatching the victory.
“We
played good defense down the stretch. At least we have a
chance for the twice-to-beat edge against Toyota
Balintawak,” said Mail & More coach Allan Gregorio.
Kelvin
Gregorio finished with 18 points for the Comets, while
Marcy Arellano and Jason Ballesteros drilled. |
