Hapee joins three in lead

Hapee Toothpaste unleashed a choking defense in the final minute to squeeze past Osaka Iridology, 46-43, yesterday for its second straight win in the 2000 PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Mark Saquilayan, who wound up with seven points, six rebounds and two assists, once again played the hero’s role as the Teeth Sparklers forged a four-way tie for the lead with idle Shark, Blu Sun Power and Montana Pawnshop.

"Exciting, pero ninerbiyos din kami sa endgame. Nakita n’yo naman sa buong game, we capitalized more on defense to deny Osaka’s outside shooters. Nag-gamble na kami sa post kesa makatira sila," said Hapee coach Stevenson Tiu.

The Teeth Sparklers’ total output tied the record for the lowest winning score posted by Kendi Mint against Boom Detergent, 46-40, late last year.

The game was marked by 13 lead changes and eight deadlocks, the last at 43-43, after Osaka’s Nelbert Omolons sank a jumper with 55 seconds remaining.

Francis Mercado drew the fifth foul from Alvin Castro and split his free throws to give Hapee a 44-43 lead with only 46.3 seconds left.

After a big turnover by Osaka, Saquilayan drew a foul off Mon Jose in the last 11.6 seconds. Saquilayan drilled in both charities and sealed the victory for his team when he grabbed the rebound after a three-point miss by Nelbert Omolon with just two ticks to go.

Niño Gelig led Hapee with 12 points while Lopez added nine. Alvin Castro led Osaka with 15 points while Bernzon Franco chipped in nine.