John-O raps Hapee for PBL crown

John-O held Hapee Toothpaste to to just five points in the final three minutes to clinch the first PBL-CBF Dual Meet crown, 86-70, yesterday at the Pasig Sports Center.

The Teeth Sparklers came close to within seven, 65-72, with 3:12 remaining in the contest but Bong Salvador and Al Vergara unveiled an 11-2 blast that ensured John-O’s victory, 83-67, with 23.8 seconds to go.

"It’s all heart. Everybody simply refused to lose," said John-O coach Manny Dandan. "We came prepared, the boys still went on despite getting hurt with the rather physical game."

Ranidel de Ocampo, who wound up with 12 points and nine rebounds, was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Joining him in the Mythical Five were Blu’s Lou Gatumbato, Hapee’s Peter "June" Simon and Reynell Hugnatan, and Casino Rubbing Alcohol’s Chris Guerrero.

Even when De Ocampo had to take the bench due to a cut on his lips, John-O refused to wilt under pressure that even bench warmer Bryan Olaguer defended well against Hapee’s big men Hugnatan and Allan Salangsang who was held to just a basket in the last five minutes.

Salvador and Ferrer led John-O with 18 points while Vergara added 13.

Unfortunately for Hapee, their shots won’t get in the crucial stretch and only converted 26 of their 71 attempts at the field.

Casino Rubbing Alcohol got back from a sloppy start to capture third place via an 87-78 victory over Blu All Purpose.

Chris Guerrero, who tallied 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists, joined hands with Mario Suarez and Isagani Mercado in the second quarter breakaway to avenge the Alcohol Master’s 74-77 defeat Tuesday night.

"We made adjustments in the second quarter and I told the boys to work doubly hard on defense. Kaya doon na kami nakalayo," said Casino coach Norberto Manalili.

The Detergent Kings were ahead, 34-21, early in the second quarter when Suarez and Mercado connived for a 21-7 spurt to rest the upperhand, 42-41, while Guerrero joined the fray to stretch the gap, 55-46, at the half.

James Relampagos took over in the third igniting a 19-8 salvo that wrapped up third quarter at 74-56 in Casino’s favor.

The best Blu could muster was trimmed the gap to seven, 85-78, with 37 seconds to go.