Jewellers outshine Freezer Kings

Montana Pawnshop played steadier in the final two minutes and pulled off a 99-96 overtime victory over Ana Freezer yesterday in the 2001 PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Six players scored in double figures as the Jewellers pulled the rug from under the Freezer Kings, notching their second win in eight games.

Jenkins Mesina topscored with 20 points with Aries Dimaunahan adding 19 including three triples aside from four rebounds and six assists and Mark Macapagal and Gilbert Lao contributing 13 apiece. Jacques Gottenbos and Gary David turned in 10 each.

Ronald Tubid delivered 31 points but it went for naught as the Freezer Kings ran out of gas in overtime, suffering their fifth loss against three wins.

Defending champion Shark Energy also needed extra five minutes of play to turn back sister team Blu Detergent for its sixth win against two losses in the second game.

"Medyo nasunod ang sistema. But basically, the boys’ desire to win prevailed over (Ana Freezer’s) experience. Binigay nila ang lahat sa final two quarters. Kahit hirap, nandoon ang desire kaya nakalusot kami," said Montana coach Turo Valenzona.

The match went into overtime after a jumper by Dondon Mendoza evened the count at 88-all with 31.7 seconds to go. Ana put up a good defense in the ensuing play forcing Montana to commit a 24-second shot clock violation.