Reyes' key baskets power Tigers past Elite in Foundation Cup

Junior Powerade turned to Mikee Reyes down the stretch to engineer an 84-79 win over Blackwater Sports to open the Tigers' campaign in the 2012 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.

Reyes hit crucial shots in the fourth period to tally 18 points in the game as the Tigers, whose core is from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, pulled the rug from under the veteran Elite.

"This win is good for us because we are preparing for the UAAP," said Junior Powerade head coach Ricky Dandan. "We realized that Blackwater is a contender this conference so this is a big confidence booster for us."

 

Reyes, who saw limited action for Maroons the last two years, ignited the Tigers' 7-0 spurt to seal the win as Powerade enjoyed an 83-72 advantage heading into the final minute of the match. His three-pointer at the 8:23 mark in the fourth quarter opened Junior Powerade's' 6-0 scoring burst as the Tigers grabbed control of the contest.

 

Claude Cubo, who also had a team-high 18 points, sank a lay-up while Mark Lopez hit a two-pointer to keep Junior Powerade afloat after Blackwater came to within a point, 70-69, midway in the game. Mike Silungan, another Fighting Maroon, had a rousing D-League debut accounting for 16 points and seven rebounds for the Tigers.

 

It was a disappointing defeat for the Elite, who was aiming for the early lead in the team standings. They are now tied with Erase Plantcenta in with a 1-1 record. — JVP, GMA News