Freezer Kings cool off Teeth Sparklers; Juzzers win

Ana Freezers hit the free throws that mattered most yesterday as it turned back erstwhile unbeaten Kutitap Toothpaste, 79-73, in the PBL Chairman’s Cup at the Pasig Sports Complex.

James Laygo led the charge of the Freezer Kings with 20 points, eight of them from the charity lane, while Dondon Mendoza chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds.

It was the second straight win for the Rudy Mendoza-coached Freezer Kings after losing their first two games this conference. The loss, on the other hand, was the first in three games for the Teeth Sparklers.

"Si Laygo ang nagdala kaya naman nahawa din yung iba sa intensity niya. Sana ay magtuloy-tuloy ang suwerte namin," said Mendoza, also the team owner.

Flashy point guard Paul Artadi, veteran Robin Mendoza and the scrappy duo of Leo Vilar and Roland Pascual also delivered from the stripe, sinking crucial charities as Kutitap made a big run in the end.

Mark Saquilayan, Jomar Rivera and Allan Salangsang tried to pick up the pieces for Kutitap when chief gunner Cyrus Baguio turned cold but also fell short.

In the second game, Jeff Napa drilled in two freethrows off Rysal Castro with no time left as John-O Juzz pulled a 71-69 squeaker over Challenge Cup champion Shark Energy Drink to move up to second.

The high-flying Baguio, named by the PBL Press Corps as "Mr. Adrenaline," had 13 points in the first half but was held to just four points the rest of the way.

The victory by the Freezer Kings left the Ateneo Eagles as the only unbeaten team in the tournament after two outings.