Games Thursday (Ynares Arena)
3 p.m. – Jumbo Plastic vs Hapee
Don Trollano scored Cagayan Valley’s last nine points in overtime and the Rising Suns subdued AMA University, 107-103, in the quarterfinals en route to the semifinals of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup on Monday at the Ynares Arena.
The Titans were up by threewith 1:40 remaining when Trollano took charge and changed the complexion of the game. He knocked down a 3 pointer, made a driving layup and sank a pair of free throws to cap the Rising Suns mighty charge that earned them a best-of-three showdown against semifinalist in waiting Café France.
“We don’t entertain distractions we just focus on our training and practices,” said coach Toto Dojillo, who took over from head coach Alvin Pua. Pua was banned for life by PBA commissioner Chito Salud for assaulting a game official.
“Abel was off today so I had to step up. Lucky for me I got a lot of help from Michael (Mabulac) and Jason (Melano). Now we focus for the semis,” said Trollano, who finished with a game-high 31 points.
It was frustrating loss for the Titans, who appeared headed for a rubber match when Jeremy King hit a 3-pointer and James Martinez scored on a fastbreak layup that gave the AMA a 103-100 lead with 1:40 left.
King led all scorers with 40 points but couldn’t save the Titans from eliminations.
Earlier, Jumbo Plastic allowed a 14-point third quarter advantage to dissipate but hung tough down the stretch and came away with an 87-83 come-from-behind victory against Hapee in the other quarterfinal.
But the Titans couldn’t hang on, missing three open looks and turning the ball over twice in the closing minutes.
Andre Avillanoza’s 3-point play with 40 seconds remaining led to a 9-1 run that saved the Giants from the brink of elimination and forced a rubber match on Thursday.
It was the second win by the Giant against the Fresh Fighters this conference keeping them in contention for a semifinals berth.
Jaymo Eguilos and Glen Khobuntin scored 13 points apiece and Jumbo’s reserves outscored Hapee’s 58-11.
“I challenged the players at halftime. I told them this is there chance to prove that we belong in this league and we deserve to be in the Top Four,” said Jumbo Plastic coach Stevenson Tiu.
Scores:
JUMBO PLASTIC 87 – Eguilos 13, Khobuntin 13, Paniamogan 12, Perez 12, Mirza 12, Jalalon 11, Villamor 5, Avillanoza 5, Mandani 4, Sanga 0, Arellano 0.
HAPEE 83 – Dela Cruz 26, Amer 21, Adeogun 17, Newsome 6, Rosario 4, Elorde 3, Villahermosa 3, Koga 2, Sorela 1, Long 0, Gamboa 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17; 34-43; 67-56; 87-83.
CAGAYAN VALLEY 107 – Trollano 31, Mabulac 25, Melano 13, Dilay 11, Tayongtong 6, Galliguez 5, Santos 4, Rogado 4, Magat 4, Austria 2, Celeda 2, Salamat 0.
AMA 103 – King 40, Martinez 18, Marquez 15, Taganas 11, Asuncion 10, Tampus 9, Jordan 0, Terso 0, Angeles 0.
Quarters: 27-25; 56-47; 79-79; 96-96. 107-1-03.