Burger King reasserted its mastery over Pharex as it fashioned out a 77-71 to clinch the third semifinal berth in the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Pres. Laurel Gym I in Tanauan City, Batangas yesterday.
Needing a victory to join early semifinalists Harbour Centre and Hapee Toothpaste, the Whoppers used a big third quarter run to seize control before thwarting the Medics rallies in the fourth to complete the win.
Khiel Misa fired 17 points while former University of the East hotshot Kelvin Gregorio added 16 points for the Whoppers, who blew a nine-point lead in the first quarter and trailed, 36-37, at the turn but came out strong in the third to regain a 61-53 lead at the onset of the fourth.
Earlier, Toyota Otis shut down San Mig Coffee in the final four minutes as it eked out an 89-86 victory yesterday to force a sudden death for the fourth and last semis berth.
Patrick Cabahug, RJ Jazul and Cholo Villanueva combined to spark the Sparks’ fightback from 10 points down in the last four minutes of the contest before Erick Rodriguez and Chito Jaime took over at the stripes to cap Toyota’s come-from-behind win.
Jazul, a Letran standout, sizzled with 18 points, including 15 from behind the arc, and added five assists, three rebounds and two steals for Toyota Otis, which forced a knockout duel for a semis spot.
The Sparks and the Coffee Kings dispute the berth tomorrow in Malabon.
It was actually Jazul, who starred down the stretch as he keyed a decisive 13-0 run that erased a 76-86 deficit with four minutes to go.
“He’s our clutch guy, he has been our savior since he rejoined the team in the first round,” said Toyota Otis coach Ariel Vanguardia of Jazul.
The Coffee Kings, gained a twice-to-beat advantage after finishing third in the elims, appeared headed to the victory after erecting an 86-76 lead with 3.53 left in the contest.
But Jazul scored on a drive then came through with a triple as Toyota knotted the count at 86 with two minutes remaining. – Joey Villar