PBL: Free throws give Hapee last semis ticket

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Tiu played only one game in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) PG Flex Linoleum Cup but made the most of it on Tuesday helping Hapee Toothpaste end Pharex’s Cinderella run. Free throws by Tiu, and of Fil-Am Josh Vanlandingham, in the final seconds of the game lifted the Complete Protectors to an 84-81 win at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to clinch the last semifinals ticket. Tiu, who committed to play for Hapee but failed to suit up the whole season, made two free throws with 11.5 ticks left in the contest gave the Complete Protectors an 82-78 breathing room. Sean Co answered with a three-pointer at the other end but Vanlandingham sealed the win for Hapee after top rookie pick Chris Ross missed on a potential game-tying triple that could have send the game into overtime. Though only scoring seven points, the mere presence of Tiu as an added offensive threat served as an inspiration for Hapee to endure Pharex’s challenge. He also had four rebounds and four assists. Tiu and Vanlandingham’s free throws helped preserve Jervy Cruz’s 19 points and 10 rebounds. “I think Chris Tiu gave us a great help but we should give credit also to other players, especially our big guys like Jervy. Hindi pa nagagamay si Chris sa sistema pero he has a big basketball IQ (Chris has yet to get use to our system but has a big basketball IQ)," said Abanilla, who also drew big numbers from Dino Daa and Lance Convento who combined for 24 points. Hepee, however, will have its hands full when it takes on defending champion Harbour Centre in their best-of-five semis showdown. Magnolia Purewater battles Bacchus in the other final-four pairing. The Batang Pier, who is seeking their sixth straight title, earned an outright semis berth after finishing with the best record after the double elimination round. They also clinched the right of choosing their semis foe where they picked Hapee, which they beat in three previous championship games including the last two conferences. Abanilla said Tiu will play with Hapee in the best-of-five series and in the finals, if ever the Complete Protectors beat the five-time champions. Co led the Generix with 15 points while Dondon Villamin, Alfred Gerilla and Chris Ross added 13, 12 and 12. - GMANews.TV Games Thursday (Ynares Sports Center, Pasig City) 3:00 p.m. – Harbour Centre vs Hapee Toothpaste 5:00 p.m. – Magnolia Purewater vs Bacchus