MANILA, Philippines - Bobby Ray Parks poured in 12 of his game-high 18 points in the first half as Hapee took charge early and ripped Bread Story-LPU, 67-52, to regain the solo lead with four victories in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.
With their defense holding, the Fresh Fighters put the game away early as the Pirates struggled with a measly seven-of-31 shooting and made 11 turnovers in the first half.
“We had a good start. That’s our gameplan. And we were able to sustain it because we played well defensively. I thought that was the key,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who steered his wards to their fourth win in row.
The Fresh Fighters opened a 22-12 lead after one quarter, stretched it to 37-16 at halftime before cruising to victory in the second half.
Angelo Gabayni finished with 14 points for the Pirates, who slid to 1-3.
Earlier, Racal Motors used a strong-third quarter to beat MP Hotel, 74-65, and snap a three-game skid in the early going of the tournament.
The match-up was marred by horrendous shooting and poor execution from both teams. Racal Motors went 22 of 72 from the field (31 percent) while MP Hotel made 22 out 61 for a 36 percent clip.
John Ambulodto and Jon Ortuoste came off the bench and scored six points apiece – all in the third quarter – as the Alibaba outscored the Warriors, 23-12, to extend a four-point halftime lead to 60-45 entering the fourth.