Smart Buddies stay in hunt

CEBU City , Philippines  – The Pampanga Smart Buddies operated on defense to outlast the Trace Laguna Stallions, 70-65, and keep their flickering hopes alive in the Super Leg of Liga Pilipinas at the Cebu City Coliseum here.

Former pro Niño Gelig and Allan Husted fired 17 and 13 points, respectively, while Fil-Nigerian Hans Thiele came through with clutch plays down the stretch to help power the Buddies to their first victory after back-to-back setbacks.

Thiele, the former UE standout who also saw action with Cobra Energy Drink in the PBL, scattered six of his 12 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 12 rebounds.

“I told my players to adjust in defense,” said Smart Buddies coach Allan Gregorio.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and sponsored by Smart, Accel, Molten, Burlington, Biofresh, Calcium Free, Gatorade, San Miguel Beer, Air21, Casino Alcohol, Omega Pain Killer, M Lhuillier Kwarta Padala and host Cebu Councilor Yayoy Alcoseba.

The Cebu Niños blasted the Meteors, 78-54, Thursday night to clinch an outright entry to the one-game finale tomorrow with a 3-0 (win-loss) mark.

The Liga Pilipinas Classics are aired daily on Viva Prime Channel. For details, log on to the league’s official website at www.ligapilipinas.net.

The scores:

Smart-Pampanga 70 - Gelig 17, Husted 13, Thiele 12, Magpayo 11, Aldave 6, Saguindel 4, Al. Espiritu 3, Asoro 2, Tan 2, An. Espiritu 0.

Trace-Laguna 65 - Losentes 14, Capati 13, Mangahas 13, Estrada 8, Legaspi 6, Musni 5, Pradas 3, Villaver 2, Angeles 1, Sanz 0, Grijaldo 0.

Quarterscores: 10-13, 29-32, 49-55, 70-65