Vanlandingham’s triple saves Hapee in critical PBL outing

MANILA, Philippines – Josh Vanlandingham saved Hapee Toothpaste from a late-game collapse, burying a three-pointer with 3.2 seconds left in the game and helping the Complete Protectors defeat the Magnolia Purewater Wizards 76-73 in the Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup on Tuesday at the San Beda College Gym. Hapee erected an 18-point lead midway through the second half, but Magnolia vaporized that and tied the game at 73. Vanlandingham’s long bomb not only helped the Complete Protectors even their record to 5-5. It also revived their chase for an outright semifinal slot while slowing down Magnolia’s (7-3) own pursuit. In the other game, Reed Juntilla scored 18 points and Mark Barroca returned to the lineup after a stint on the national team to add 16 and Harbour Centre tore down Burger King 93-82. Harbour Centre raised its league-best card to 9-1, while Burger King fell to 3-7. “Para talaga kay Josh ’yung last play," said Hapee head coach Gee Abanilla. “And swerte naman na maganda yung location ni Josh and he bailed us out." With his team trailing 61-43 late in the third quarter, Leomer Losentes’ bucket on a fast break capped Magnolia’s counteroffensive that tied the game at 73 with 15.6 seconds to go. After Vanlandingham’s go-ahead triple, Losentes look to send the game into overtime but his three-point try sailed wide right. Alfie Grijaldo led Hapee Toothpaste with 12 points, six rebounds and three steals. Jervy Cruz nearly made a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Vanlandingham finished with 11 points. Dylan Ababou finished with 18 points to lead Magnolia, which only needs to win only one of its last two games to get the other outright semis seat. – GMANews.TV