PBL: Hapee enters finals via 94-91 win over Toyota

Hapee Toothpaste defeated Toyota Balintawak, 94-91, in Game 2 of their 2007 PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup semifinals Saturday to earn a spot in the finals. Again it was Reed Juntilla who posted the crucial baskets but it was newcomer Borgie Hermida who provided the leadership for the Complete Protectors in sweeping the best-of-three series, the league said. "Borgie may be new, but he was able to adjust because of our tune-up games during the conference's break," said Hapee Toothpaste coach Jun Noel regarding Hermidia after the match at The Arena in San Juan. Hermida contributed five points in a 13-2 Hapee Toothpaste run that turned a 72-78 deficit into an 85-80 advantage. The Complete Protectors then ballooned the lead to 91-83 when Juntilla scored six straight points. But the Road Kings just wouldn't bow without a fight and threatened at 93-91 with 8.6 seconds in the game. Suing for time, the Road Kings gave up a foul on Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, sending him to the free throw line. Norwood missed on his first free throw but made the second try. The Complete Protectors then set up a stifling defense to ensure the victory. Hapee Toothpaste will face the winner of the other semis series between Harbour Centre and San Mig Coffee. - GMANews.TV