By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--In its debut in the previous Aspirants' Cup, Hapee incurred its only loss on its 11th outing before finishing the conference with four straight wins to cop the title.
In its first game in the Foundation Cup, however, Hapee immediately got a defeat.
Jumbo Plastic took advantage of Hapee's lack of rest and a recent roster shakeup to pull off a 64-61 upset in their match at the JCSGO Gym on Monday.
Despite leading after the first quarter, the Fresh Fighters conceded the advantage to the Giants as the latter pulled off a 16-0 late second quarter run to lead, 33-22.
Jumbo Plastic held on to the lead and eventually extended it to 12, 55-43, early in the fourth quarter.
Hapee, however, crawled back and came to within one, 61-62, with 49.5 seconds left.
The Giants failed to convert on their next possession, but Jaymo Eguilos saved the day for them as he stole the ball from Scottie Thompson in the next play. Eguilos, after a Chris Newsome foul, drained two free throws with 6.6 seconds left.
With no timeout remaining, Thompson had to force a desperation heave from halfcourt at the buzzer that he missed.
Juami Tiongson and Glenn Khobuntin each scored 14 points for Jumbo Plastic. Thompson hit a game-high 17 for Hapee.
Box Scores:
Jumbo Plastic 64–Tiongson 14, Khobuntin 14, Villamor 8, Sabellina 6, Eguilos 6, Paniamogan 6, Rosales 4, Purdy 3, Avillanoza 3, Perez 0, Petillos 0
Hapee 61–Thompson 17, Newsome 12, Romero 8, Elorde 7, Rosario 7, Hayes 6, Gamboa 2, Parks 1, Villahermosa 1, Long 0, Bringas 0
Quarterscores: 11-14, 33-26, 53-43, 64-61
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