Cobra paralyzes Pharex, gains lead

MANILA, Philippines - Prolific guard Paul Lee came through with another spectacular performance as he powered Cobra Energy Drink to a come-from-behind 78-77 victory over Pharex B and into the lead in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Lee, who pumped in 18 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter of the Ironmen’s 81-77 win over AddMix Transformers Thursday, was again in the attack mode, firing 24 points including the winning basket versus the Maroons.

“It was another Paul Lee show,” said Cobra coach Lawrence Chongson, who is assisted by national 13-U coach Mark Herrera.

Lee, the team’s playing assistant coach, also got 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Pari Llagas came through with 19 points, nine boards and three blocks while Patrick Cabahug contributed 15 points including five straight in a crucial run that rallied the Ironmen to within one, 76-77.

Jai Reyes, the former Ateneo standout who was instrumental in the Eagles’ back-to-back UAAP title conquests, chipped in 12 points in a supporting role.

Vic Manuel, a rookie out of PSBA, had a double-double effort for the Maroons but it went down the drain. He logged 15 points and 14 rebounds.

In the other game, Excelroof overpowered Agri-Nurture, 83-59, also for a second straight win.

Jimbo Aquino, the NCAA finals MVP, paced the 25ers with 17 points. he laced with two triples while former Santo Tomas standout Chester Taylor chipped in 10 points.

 “We didn’t relent because we’re trying to look for some combinations we might use in future games,” said Excelroof mentor Ato Agustin.