Jan Jan Lopue sank his free throw to allow Phoenix 1999-2000 escaped with a 61-60 squeaker over Orix 2001-02 in the St. John’s Institute Alumni Basketball Friendship Cup at the Msgr. John B. Liu Activities Center.

In the other game, Shakey’s 2009-11 pulled away in the second half to rout Nitro 2003-06 at 74-53.

Lopue’s charity shot proved to be the winning basket for Phoenix as it registered its fourth win in as many outings in the tournament and its second victory with hairline margin.

Leading by a point, Phoenix’s contested shaded area defense held up as Vincent Genovea missed three follow ups had three missed follow up chances to win the game.

Rhett Demonteverde topscored for Phoenix with 15 points, Jason Yap added 12, Paolo Li had 9, and Jan Jan Lopue with 5 points, including the winning free throw.

Christian Octaviano and Vincent Genovea shared scoring honors for Orix with 12 points apiece while Ralph Ong shot 8 point, Johann Villanueva, Robert June Genovea and Ton Ton Chua contributed 6 points each.

Nitro overcame a first quarter deficit at 19-11 and take a 32-30 lead at halftime as Michael Sian and Mark Vasquez combined for 18 points for Nitro in the second quarter.

But the Nitro’s offense went on a dry spell in the second half as they can only score 19 points against the 44 points of the other squad with Luigi Coo, Carl Suarez and Allen Dionela scoring all their points in the second half.

Coo spearheaded Shakey’s with 16 points Carl Suarez added 14 points, highlighted by four dunk shots, and Allen Dionela delivered 12 points.

Vasquez made 14 points in a losing effort, Sian picked up 13 points and Keith Banzon had 7 points.*

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