TARLAC CITY. – Hapee Toothpaste went full throttle in the
third quarter Friday to clobber Burger King 82-70 in Game 1 of their semis
series in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup before a roaring crowd at the
Tarlac State University here.
The Complete Protectors led 37-32 at halftime but raised
their game a notch higher in the next quarter, outscoring the BK Whoppers 27-10
to break the game wide open and gain a head-start in their best-of-five semis
showdown watched by around 4,000 fans that included the original Mr. Basketball
Caloy "The Big Difference" Loyzaga, Tarlac City Mayor Genardo Mendoza and
Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta.
Game 2 of the best-of-five series will be played on Monday at
the University of Cordilleras gym in Baguio City.
Drawing fine performances from almost everybody, Hapee led
from start to finish, with Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, easily the most popular player,
leading Hapee’s assault with 18 points.
The Whoppers were thrown into disarray early in the third
quarter as the Complete Protectors came up with a paralyzing zone press that
silenced Burger’s shooter. Hapee, meanwhile, exploded for 17 straight points for
a 54-32 lead.
Forward Mark Borboran starred in that run as he scored five
points capped by a booming try. Larry Rodriguez also shone in that stretch by
hitting two baskets.
"We played solid defense in the third and that was it," said
Hapee coach Louie Alas. "I’m hoping we can sustain this good start."
The Complete Protectors posted their biggest lead at 58-35
after back-to-back baskets by Norwood and Alfie Grijaldo. Borboran finished with
15 points.
Norwood was in his element in the first quarter where he exploded for 12
points on 2-of-3 shooting from the three-point arc. He also had two rebounds,
two assists and a steal as Hapee dictated the tempo of the game.
