Pasig annexes second win in Coke Hoopla

MANILA, Philippines - Pasig picked up its second straight win in the Coca-Cola Hoopla 2010, nipping Makati, 94-87, late Thursday in the inter-zonal stage at the Rizal High School gym.

The Pasigueños stared at defeat after squandering a 42-19 lead in the early going as Makati charged back to level the score at 82.

But Jeric Baylen took over for Pasig, hitting crucial clutch foul shots to save the day and hand Makati its second straight loss in the Final Four.

Baylen sank three free throws in the final 36 seconds as Pasig wore down Makati in the stretch to clinch the win in the tournament organized by Coca-Cola Export.

Julius Mark Pinili scored a team-high 27 points for Pasig and Elmer Labis added 21 and Ranniel Nudo 18.

Caloocan, meanwhile, bounced back from its defeat to Pasig last Tuesday by beating Muntinlupa, 68-62, in the other semis match.

Caloocan and Muntinlupa battled through five deadlocks, the last at 57 before Jeric Sumanpong shoved Caloocan to the lead at 59-57 with two charities off Reijed Pacuan.

Piper Tan hit a triple as Muntinlupa took the lead, 60-59, but Caloocan outscored Muntinlupa, 9-2, in the final two minutes to preserve the win.

Kevin Mendoza paced Caloocan with 18 points, Sumanpong added 17 and Nestor Bantayan 12.