Games Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. PC Gilmore vs Pharex
4 p.m. Freego vs Cebuana Lhuillier
Raffi Reyes hit clutch 3-point shot to spark a late charge by FCA and
the Cultivators knocked out RnW Pacific Pipes, 65-61, in the first
round of the playoffs on Tuesday and advance to the quarterfinals of
the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
But jolting blow was delivered by the Pharex Bidang Generix, who
eliminated Cobra Energy Drink superstar guard Paul Lee and the Ironmen
via a 96-66 blowout to secure the last spot in the round of eight.
Pharex dictated the pace early on and encountered only a token of a
challenge against the pre-tournament favourite Ironmen, who
conspicuously played sluggish and sloppy all game.
“I don’t think anyone can expect something like that. But I thought we
executed perfectly today. Our ball movement was excellent and we
managed to reduce [Paul Lee] his efficiency,” said Pharex coach Gian
Carlo Tan.
James Mangahs scored 17 points. Edwin Asoro and Raymon Aguilar each
scored 14 points for Pharex which will play PC Gilmore in the quarters
on Thursday.
The Bidang Generix lead 25-18 after one quarter, extended the lead to
16 points at halftime and put the game out of reach after building a
71-47 Advantage entering the fourth.
Lee scored 19 points and Kenneth Acibar added 12. But neither of them
nor the rest of the team picked up their rhythm.
In a tightly fought fourth quarter that featured poor shooting and
lots of turnovers from both teams, Reyes made the big play at the two
minute mark, knocking a three over Raymund Ilagan that gave FCA a
62-60 lead.
RnW Pacific Pipes shooter Jim Viray clanged two 3-point attempt before
Alex Mallari scored a hard drive to the basket as FCA completed its
comeback from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter and sealed the
win with 13.8 second remaining.
“We expected a tough match and we know they are well prepared. But we
didn’t give up kahit masama ang nilalaro naming. We continue to play
through and I thought our efforts paid off in the crucial stretch of
the fourth,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco.
Despite struggling with his shooting all game, Mallari still led FCA
with with 12 points. Reyes added 11 and Richard Cole 9.
Arsenio said the Cultivators played a little bit tight, reason why
they fell behind by 13.
“This is the playoffs. It’s our first time. So medyo mechanical ang
kilos. So I told them to just enjoy the game and go with the flow. I
thought they adjusted pretty well,” Arsenio said.
FCA will face Group A top notcher in the quarterfinals and Arsenio
readily admitted they are the underdog.
“Man for man dehado kami. But we’ll see,” he said.
Vic Manuel led all scoirers with 20 points but didn’t get enough
support. Viray had 12 but missed badly on a couple of 3-point attempt
that could have changed the complexion of the match.
RnW Pipes opened the third qith a 15-6 run and built a 49-36 advantage
on a basket by Manual with 4:10 left in the period.
But the FCA slowly clawed back behind Mallari, Reyes and Cole,
outscoring RnW Pacific Pipes, 21-7, bridging the third and fourth
quarter to pull with 57-58 on four straight points by Cole.
The scores:
First Game
FCA 65 – Mallari 12, Reyes 11, Cole 9, Collado 8, Gerilla 7, Canlas 7,
Co 3, Custodio 3, Bulawin 2, Maconicido 2, Pascual 1, Sevilla 1.
RnW Pacific 61 – Manuel 20, Viray 12, Leynes 8, Delgado 7, Ilagan 4,
Importante 4, Cornejo 3, Del Rio 2, Musni 1, Tirona 0.
Quarters: 18-13; 30-34; 49-52; 65-61
Second Game
Pharex 96 – Mangahas 17, Aguilar 14, Asoro 14, Viernes 9, Taylor 9,
Adolfo 8, Banal 7, Morial 6, Cabonce 6, Losentes 3, Siruma 3, Tecson
0, Montilla 0, Graebel 0.
Cobra 66 – Lee 19, Acibar 12, Bandaying 10, Hermosisima 8, Boloran 7,
Foronda 4, Sanga 4, Rosopa 2, Mendoza 0, Raypon 0, Reyes 0, Eguilos 0.
Quarters: 25-18; 36-30; 71-47; 96-66.PR
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