Late jumper keys Titans win vs Tanduay 5

MANILA, Philippines - Jay-R Taganas hit a jumper with foul to boot with 2.2 seconds left to lift AMA University to a thrilling 76-74 victory over Tanduay Light to move to joint second in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday.

Taganas actually flubbed the bonus shot but Ilagan missed on a desperation shot as time expired, enabling the Titans to notch their second victory in three starts to join the Kera Mix Masters at second behind the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, unbeaten in three games.

It was a sorry setback for Tanduay, which missed grabbing the lead after Marcy Arellano tied it at 74 on a split with 16 seconds remaining as Aljon Mariano’s running shot went way off the mark.

The Rhum Masters tapped the ball out of bounds in the ensuing rebound play, enabling the Titans to call for time and map out their final offensive play with 3.9 seconds.

Jarelan Tanpus spotted a surprisingly open Taganas near the free throw line and the portly AMA slotman flipped a jumper that hit the bottom of the net.

“It was a lucky shot. I didn’t even saw it coming. Just so happen all our shooters were covered and the in-bounder found me open in the middle,” said Taganas, who recorded his third straight double double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. “I’m happy to be able to help the team win,” he added.

In the second game, Troy Rosario tallied 20 points and Scottie Thompson grabbed 11 rebounds and had six assists as Hapee blasted Liver Marin, 74-50, for a 1-1 card.

The Fresh Fighters held the Liver Wonders to just four field goals in the first quarter and seven-of-25 shooting in the first half to take a 36-25 lead at the break.

Hapee, which bowed to Jumbo Plastic last week, pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Liver Marin, 20-7, en route to the lopsided win. 

Jovit dela Cruz shot eight points for Liver Marin which fell to 0-3.

AMA also drew a solid performance from Dexter Maiquez, who tallied 14 points and snared 10 rebounds. James Martinez and Tanpus backed them up with 11 points apiece as the Titans who bounced back from a 70-75 loss to the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns the last time out.

With Taganas and Maiquez dominating the paint, AMA outrebounded Tanduay Light, 46-42, and gained a 44-32 advantage on points in the paint.

Tanduay led by as many as 16 points (25-9) in the first quarter, but struggled with their offense the rest of the way and fell to 1-2 in a tie with MP Hotel.

Roi Suman scored 13 points off the bench for the Rhum Masters, who also got 11 markers each from Edwin Escueta and Mariano.