Hapee sweeps; San Mig gains twice-to-beat

Gabe Norwood unleashed a 24-point effort as Hapee Toothpaste walloped Pharex, 103-80, to complete a seven-game sweep of the classification round of the PBL V-Go Energy Drink Cup at the Arena in San Juan City.

Reed Juntilla tossed in 18 points while Alfie Grijaldo and Mark Borboran each shot 13 points for the Complete Protectors who with the Harbour Centre Batang Pier have clinched the first two semifinal berths as early as last week.

The Medics reeled to their sixth loss against a lone win.

Earlier, Kelvin dela Peña came away with 16 points, as San Mig Coffee came from behind to beat Bacchus Energy Drink, 73-65, and clinch the No. 3 spot in the quarterfinals.

San Mig actually finished tied with Toyota Balintawak and Mail and More at the close of the elims but took the No. 3 spot with the highest quotient score, including the first berth in the quarterfinals and the twice-to-beat advantage.

“I knew when we took him (Dela Peña) he has what it takes to win, he showed it in this win,” said San Mig coach Koy Banal.

Skipper Al Magpayo had 13 points and 11 rebounds to atone for a so-so game against Harbour Centre last week.

“He (Magpayo) vowed to come out strong in this game because he really wanted to bounce back from that scoreless performance in our last setback,” said Banal.

Banal’s strategy in keeping starter Bon Bon Custodio also paid off as the former University of the East standout came off the bench to shoot 14 points. He also had five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Jose Rizal standout Mark Cagoco unloaded 15 points, including 11 in the second quarter, as Bacchus dominated the first half, 39-35.