Hotdogs pull fast one over FedEx, gain lead

Purefoods finally ended a season-long chase for FedEx, claiming a close decision last night in the Selecta PBA All-Filipino Cup.

The Hotdogs survived a 34-point game by Vergel Meneses and a pesky full-court pressure defense by the Express to finally beat their rivals for the first time in the season, riding a crucial run in the stretch to pull off an 85-82 victory at the Astrodome.

"We just couldn’t stop Vergel Meneses although I rotated three players against him. But defense in the fourth quarter bailed us out. We made crucial stops and got away with key baskets at crunchtime," said coach Eric Altamirano as his Hotdogs gained the early solo lead in the season-ending tourney on two straight wins.

Ronnie Magsanoc made a rare four-point play off an offensive rebound by Kerby Raymundo and the Hotdogs seized the lead for good at 81-77 entering the final two minutes of play.

The Express jumped the gun on the Hotdogs and were still in control at 63-57 after the first three quarters of play with Meneses playing his best game in a FedEx uniform.

But the Hotdogs kept the game close before pressing their bid at the finish with an efficient 2-3 zone and inside attacks by Andy Seigle and Raymundo, paving the way for the come-from-behind win in a followup to their 71-63 thrashing of the Barangay Ginebra Kings last Sunday.

Seigle and Raymundo combined for 11 of Purefoods’ 28-point fourth-quarter production. Seigle finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Raymundo ended up with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

"Kerby is not yet our go-to guy but he’s giving us good games. I see him becoming our marquee player down the line," said Altamirano of their prized recruit from Red Bull.

Meneses saw his gamelong brilliance go down the drain on their second straight defeat following a 71-94 blowout by San Miguel also last Sunday.

Sta. Lucia spoiled Paul Woolpert’s debut as Talk N Text coach as the Realtors nipped the Phone Pals, 70-67, in the nightcap.