Games Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
1 p.m. – MP Hotel vs Tanduay Light
3 p.m. – Jumbo Plastic vs AMA University
Hapee celebrated the return of its San Beda players with a hard-earned 75-72 overtime victory over second running CafeFrance in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup, yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Art Dela Cruz posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, including several big baskets in the extra period to lead the Fresh Fighters back into the top six with a 3-3 record.
Dela Cruz’ lay-up pushed the Fresh Fighters to within one, 72-71, made a stop on the other end before Earl Scottie Thompson found Chris Newsome with a nifty pass underneath to give the reigning Aspirants’ Cup champions the lead for good.
Two more brilliant defensive plays sandwiched a pair of Bobby Ray Parks free throws to finally seal the win for Hapee.
“Yung heart and mga effort ng players enabled us to steal that win from CafeFrance. They (CafeFrance) were playing so well, they were very disciplined and well coached, very confident and they’re hard to beat. Buti nalang nahanapan ng paraan. It was all about the players’ heart talaga,” “To put it simply it’s an answered player for the team. We’re on the brink right now, and we’re just hoping to survive. Kung nawala itong game na to, I think mahihirapan na kami,” he added.
The Bakers actually started out well in the first half, draining six three points as they took a 35-28 lead at the break.
However, the Fresh Fighters kept the Bakers field goal-less in the third quarter.