Eagles repeat in double OT

It’s Larry Fonacier again.

Enrico Villanueva had a monster game but it was Fonacier who hit the baskets that mattered most as Ateneo Hapee-Negros Navigation outlasted Blu Sun Power in double overtime, 92-86, yesterday to move one win shy of clinching the PBL Chairman’s Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.

Fonacier, who hit the crucial shots in their Game 1 victory last Monday, poured in seven of his 11 points in second overtime including a triple that broke the back of the Detergent Kings, giving the Blue Eagles a 2-0 edge in their best-of-five title duel.

"Rico (Villanueva) really wanted this game very badly but it was Larry who answered the call again," said Ateneo coach Joel Banal.

Bouncing back from a so-so game in the series opener, Villanueva was like a man possessed as he powered his way to 34 points, defying the defense of Marlon Legaspi and Arnold Calo.

Twice Blu threatened to steal the game but the Eagles hung tough. Jeck Chia, coming off the bench in place of Wesley Gonzalez, hit the foul shot that forced the first OT while a jumper by Fonacier forged the second extra period.

With Lou Gatumbato on the firing end, the Detergent Kings roared to a 30-19 second quarter lead but a series of runs anchored on the lethal perimeter shooting of Rich Alvarez brought the Eagles back. <