Hapee starts strong, demolishes MJM five

MANILA, Philippines -  Hapee used a strong start and a tough defensive job to dispatch MJM Builders, 79-66, and roll to its third straight victory for the solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

The star-studded Fresh Fighters held the Builders to just 10 points in the first 10 minutes of the contest while pouring 21 of their own and went on to post leads of as many as 20 before slowing down in the fourth quarter.

“This is a good test of character for the team. When things are not going right for us, I thought the guys come together and helped each other,” observed Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

Ola Adeogun scored a game-high 18 points and Bobby Ray Parks added 10 with the duo pulling down eight rebounds each as Hapee manhandled MJM Builders off the glass, 50-25.

The 6-foot-9 Adeogun asserted his might in the early going, hitting all but one of his first five shots as the Fresh Fighters seized control. A free throw by Adeogun with six minutes left in the third gave Hapee its biggest margin at 50-30.

Troy Rosario came off the bench to fire 14 points for Hapee, which also drew 11 markers from guard Baser Amer had 11 with Parks adding six assists.

The loss was the third in as many games for the Builders, who played the second half without coach Nash Racela, who was ejected with 52 seconds before halftime. Racela got two Ts for entering the court and physically contacting a game official.

Mac Belo led the Builders with 16 points, including 11 in the second half as the Builders clawed back and pulled within 61-67 on Glenn Khobuntin’s layup with 5:54 to play.

But the Fresh Fighters responded by scoring the next nine points to frustrate the Builders.

Earlier, Michael Miranda scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Wangs Basketball defeated Racal Motors, 80-72.

In the other game, AMA University held MP Hotel to just four field goals in the fourth quarter to squeeze out an 85-74 come-from-behind victory and tie its victim at 1-2.