PBL: Unheralded players lead BK to keep Pharex winless

MANILA, Philippines – Unheralded JR Tecson and Nicho Popus kept Pharex winless in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) 2009 PG Flex Linoleum Cup, leading Burger King to an 89-83 victory against the Generix on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena. Tecson made himself recognized in the fourth quarter where he scored all of his 13 points in the final period to lift the Stunners to their second win in three games while handing the Generix their third straight loss. Seldom used during San Beda’s NCAA title run, Tecson lit up the scoreboard with a 67 percent field goal shooting going 3-of-5 beyond the arc. He scored a third of BK’s points in the pivotal period. Popus, meanwhile, scattered 14 points to lead BK’s scoring. San Beda standout Borgie Hermida added 13 markers, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals while Marcy Arellano, Bam Gamalinda and Ogie Menor chipped in 11, 11 and 10 each. “When I told the bench to step up they delivered," said Stunners coach Allan Gregorio. “It is not a part of the game plan but it was about getting ready. They got the heart of a champion and they knew that this is a perfect opportunity to step up." Fritz Bauzon led the still winless Generix with 18 points, shooting 4-of-7 downtown, while collaring six rebounds. Top rookie pick Chris Ross added 16 markers to go with his seven assists and five steals while Ian Saladaga shot 9-of-12 at the free throw line for 13 more. – GMANews.TV