Cruz steals win for Hapee in 2nd OT

Varsity league standout Jervy Cruz scored on a putback with no time left as Hapee Toothpaste hacked out a thrilling 85-83 double overtime victory over Burger King in the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Coliseum last night.

The 6-foot-5 University of Santo Tomas star pulled down a crucial rebound after Reed Juntilla misfired from the top of the key then knocked in the basket with only 0.2 seconds left to end Burger King’s two-game win run while helping the team tie its victim at third with 5-3 (win-loss) slates.

It was Cruz’s biggest game thus far after the reigning UAAP MVP has had a series of so-so performances in his rookie year. He finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Despite the scary win and missing two potential game-winners in the regulation and the first overtime, Hapee coach Louie Alas said he was satisfied with his wards’ performance.

“Usually the boys morale are low coming off a loss,” said Alas, whose team suffered a crushing 69-88 loss to Harbour Centre last Tuesday. “But I’m happy because they showed character and intensity. It was a big win for us.”

Larry Rodriguez, who missed a game-winning jumper in regulation play, came off the bench to lead Hapee with 21 points and nine rebounds.

Earn Saguindel also came through with a big game for Hapee with  20 points, while Juntilla, who missed a jumper as time expired in the first overtime, added 12 points.

Burger King drew 16 points from Marcy Arellano while Khiel Misa and ex-pro Christopher Baluyot had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

In the first game, Bacchus Energy Drink held off San Mig Coffee in the final period to escape with a 63-62 win and snap a two-game skid.