Compton’s Jewels sparkle vs G Goose

Alex Compton made the shots that mattered most as Montana Pawnshop downed Granny Goose, 62-53, yesterday to close in on a semifinal berth in the 2006 PBL Heroes Cup at the San Andres Gym.

Compton scattered seven of his 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Jewels held off the Tortillos to claim their fifth win against four losses in a tie for third with the Hapee-PCU Teeth Sparklers.

But it was Ken Bono, who keyed Montana’s fiery start as he exploded for 10 points in the first quarter and went on to finish with a career-high 18-point performance.

"Ken (Bono) was just great today, he really stepped up for us," said Montana coach Robert Sison.

The Tortillos actually came to within five at 50-55 but Compton came through with two jumpers — one from the right baseline and the other from the right flank to seal the win.

The Joe Lipa-mentored Tortillos slid to a share of fifth place with the Harbour Centre Port Masters on 5-5 (win-loss) records but still remained in the hunt for a semis slot.

Earlier, Rain or Shine outgunned Far Eastern Insurance, 83-75, to likewise inch closer to the semifinals with six wins in nine outings.