Hapee rips Jumbo, nears elims sweep

Games Monday (San Juan Arena)

12 noon – Bread Story/LPU vs Cebuana Lhuillier

2 p.m. – Café France vs Wangs Basketball

4 p.m. – Tanduay Light vs AMA University

MANILA, Philippines - Hapee put up another dominating effort to blast Jumbo Plastic, 82-56, yesterday and move within a win from sweeping the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup elimination round at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

Bobby Ray Parks turned in a double-double job of 21 points and 12 rebounds while Ola Adeogun added 11 markers for the Fresh Fighters, who broke away in the second quarter on their way to their 10th straight win in the 12-team field.

The lopsided victory likewise primed up Hapee for its keenly awaited match with equally unbeaten and fellow semifinalist Cagayan Valley on Jan. 22.

“We’re just trying to build some momentum but we have to stay sharp for the semis,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc, stressing their duel against the Rising Suns next Thursday will be a tough challenge for his troops.

“We’ll see how we will compete against a team that has played in the finals,” said Magsanoc.

The Fresh Fighters turned the lopsided match into a virtual clinic that featured jaw-dropping shots, eye-popping passes and terrific fast break drills that drew roars from the crowd.

Jaymo Eguillos scored nine points and Dennis Villamor added seven markers for the Giants, who fell to 6-4 and dampened their bid for the twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.

Hapee led by just five points after 10 minutes but outscored Jumbo Plastic in the second period to build a 45-26 bulge at the turn. The Fresh Fighters posted their biggest lead at 76-37 late in the fourth.

Earlier, Raymond Jamito delivered in the clutch to help Racal Motors repulse MJM Builders, 94-92.