Shark repulses Hapee

Shark Energy Drink denied Hapee Toothpaste a crack at third-place honors in the PBL Challenge Cup as the Power Boosters geared up for the finals versus the Welcoat Paintmasters with a 66-63 decision over the Tooth Sparklers yesterday at the Makati Coliseum.

PBA-bound Roger Yap, a top contender for the tournament's Most Valuable Player plum, scored 19 points, including seven in the final quarter, as the Power Boosters nailed their 13th win in 15 outings.

Yap had another explosive game although it was Jing Rodriguez who proved to be the biggest thorn on Hapee’s side by foiling the Tooth Sparklers’ attempt to force an overtime with a steal.

With the loss, Hapee finally fell by the wayside, paving the way for the Blu Sun Power-Montana Pawnshop playoff for third place.

Montana Pawnshop stayed at fourth place with a 7-8 win-loss record while Hapee skidded to fifth in a tie with Ateneo Pioneer at 6-9. — Joey Villar