BK, Toyota keep quarters bid alive

By JONAS TERRADO

Despite a depleted lineup, Burger King scored a vengeful 72-59 win over Hapee Toothpaste yesterday in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Stunners, who dropped six of their last seven games, played true to their potential this time, exploding for 25 points in the third period to keep their quarterfinals bid alive with a 4-7 record.

Toyota Otis also kept its quarterfinal hopes alive by getting back at Magnolia Purewater, 95-75.

Erick Rodriguez delivered with 22 points, 17 in the first half, along with 10 rebounds to help the Sparks improve to 4-6.

Chris Timberlake and John Wilson added 14 points, apiece, while James Sena and RJ Jazul scored 10 that underscored Toyota Otis’ depth.

"Mentally exhausted sila but the christmas break helped us to get their enthusiasm back," said Toyota Otis mentor Ariel Vanguardia, whose team snapped a three-game losing skid.

BK’s defense also proved lethal as they held the Complete Protectors to just four points in the second quarter that saw Burger King post a 31-23 lead.

The Stunners were never in trouble after that as they held their ground to repel several Hapee comebacks.

Former NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player Ogie Menor led Burger King with 21 points, 16 in the second half, while Mac Baracael tallied nine in the last 20 minutes to finish with 17 markers.

Menor hit 9-of-13 shots from the field that went along with five rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes of action while Baracael made 6-of-10 baskets in 29 minutes of action.

"This game was great because we had a badly depleted lineup but I told them to forget all we have done in the past," said Burger King head coach Allan Gregorio.

Center Jason Nocom also stepped up big with 15 points, nine in the second, on 6-of-10 shooting in 22 minutes.

The Stunners played minus Khiel Misa and Nestor David, who are returning to the Pampanga Buddies of Liga Pilipinas, and injured big men Abby Santos and block shots leader Jason Ballesteros.

With Menor and Baracael combining for 17 points, the Stunners raced toa 56-31 lead before the end of the third.

"It was a defensive adjustment that we made," said Gregorio. "The interior game of Jervy Cruz was missing up until the third quarter because we were able to double team him."

The scores:

First Game

Burger King 72 — Menor 21, Baracael 17, Nocom 15, Taganas 8, Gamalinda 4, Luanzon 3, Marcelo 2, Arellano 2, Pascual 0, Tecson 0.

Hapee 59 — Cruz 16, Vanlandingham 12, Daa 12, Morial 7, Grijaldo 4, Convento 2, Hugnatan 2, Viray 2, Saguindel 2, Lucernas 0, Espiritu 0.

Quarters: 15-19, 31-23, 56-33, 72-59.

Second Game

Toyota Otis 95 — Rodriguez 22, Timberlake 14, Wilson 14, Sena 10, Jazul 10, Casio 9, Faundo 8, Mangahas J. 6, Walsham 2.

Magnolia 75 — Saldua 13, Rodriguez 11, Losentes 11, Amparado 8, Ababou 7, Taylor 7, Raneses 6, Sorongon 4, Escueta 2, Uichico 2, Gile 2, Magpayo 2, Balneg 0.

Quarters: 24-17, 49-41, 72-60, 95-75.

BK, Toyota keep quarters bid alive

BK, Toyota keep quarters bid alive

BK, Toyota keep quarters bid alive :: Comments