Bacoor and Zamboanga hurdled their quarterfinal round rivals on Saturday to arrange a semifinal tussle in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season Playoffs at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Bacoor Strikers asserted their superiority over the Iloilo United Royals, 72-61, in the nightcap to forge a best-of-three showdown with Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, which disposed of Quezon Province, 88-76, in their own South division quarterfinal series earlier.
Both Bacoor and Zamboanga prevailed via 2-1 scores.
After routing the United Royals, 92-52, in Game 2, the Strikers entered their homecourt just thinking of winning comfortably.
True enough, they controlled the game for the most part and led by as far as 58-38 late in the third quarter.
The Strikers drew power from Jhaymo Eguilos, James Kwekuteye and Jhan McHale Nermal in foiling the United Royals’ final attempts to sway the balance just like in their 89-86 stunner in Game 1.
Eguilos posted 13 points and 12 rebounds to earn his second-straight best player recognition, Kwekuteye tallied 15 points and 3 rebounds, while Nermal chalked 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Coach Alex Angeles said dropping Game 1 was an eye-opener and only toughened the Strikers’ resolve to advance to the semifinals.
Bacoor team manager Dennis Abella lauded the players’ effort and thanked the Strikers’ sponsors headed by Filbet, while Mayor Strike Revilla assured the Strikers of the city’s full support in their playoffs drive.
Just like Bacoor, Zamboanga dominated Quezon nearly throughout, pulling away at 47-26 and duplicating its 77-68 victory in Game 1.
Judel Fuentes presided over Zamboanga’s romp with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and 1 block. He got ample support from homegrown John Mahari with 15 points plus 4 rebounds and King Caralipio with 12 points, 6 rebounds plus 4 assists.
Reigning league MVP Jaycee Marcelino settled for 9 points but compensated with 13 assists and 5 rebounds for Zamboanga Coach Louie Alas, who made the necessary adjustments after the Quezon Huskers derailed them at home, 65-58, in Game 2.
Bacoor and Zamboanga begin their semifinal series on Saturday at the Strike Gymnasium.
The MPBL resumes on Tuesday, with GenSan and Muntinlupa disputing the last semifinal slot in the South division at 6 p.m. in a venue yet to be announced.