PBL: Cabahug, Lee shine as Bacchus impounds Toyota

MANILA, Philippines – Patrick Cabahug and Paul Lee showed their deadly form in a pivotal third quarter run as Bacchus downed Toyota Otis, 78-63, Saturday in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) 2009 PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. “While Paul provided the spark, it was Patrick who struck the hardest this time. He did not only score the needed points but also provided the needed poise and savvy," said Bacchus coach Lawrence Chongson. That telling third quarter assault earned for the Energy Warriors the win that avenged their 91-86 loss to the Sparks in the first round but more importantly it assured them of a spot in the quarterfinal phase of the season-opening conference. Cabahug, who started his PBL career as a Spark in 2007, waxed hot in the last three minutes of the third period draining three straight three-pointers in a game-turning 15-0 run to turn things in their favor, 59-51, entering the final quarter where they kept Toyota at bay. The Sparks seemed headed for an easy win when they enjoyed a 43-31 spread behind a 12-0 attack. But Toyota suddenly went on a scoring drought in a three-minute span while Bacchus finally found its spunk in a major third quarter turn around. That proved to be the start of the Sparks’ downfall as they lost focus in the match and played one-on-one basketball most of the time. Paul Lee started Bacchus’ comeback sinking several tough shots that included a three-point play for a 49-44 tally. Cabahug then finished off that comeback with his outside sniping in the last three minutes of the third. Cabahug finished with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting for Bacchus, which scored their third straight win to improve its record to 5-5. Lee added 13 while Adamson’s Julius Colina registered his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. JV Casio and RJ Jazul were held to two points each shooting a combined 2-of-12 from the field as the Sparks dropped to 3-6 to join the Burger King Stunners. The league takes a three-week break for the Holidays. Action resumes on January 6 with defending champion Harbour Centre facing BK with the hopes of getting the first semis berth at the San Beda College gym. – GMANews.TV Standings W L Harbour 8 1 Magnolia 7 2 Bacchus 5 5 Hapee 4 4 Toyota Otis 3 6 Burger King 3 6 Pharex 1 7 Games on January 6 (San Beda College gym) 2:00 p.m. – Hapee Toothpaste vs Magnolia 4:00 p.m. – Harbour Centre vs BK Stunners