INQUIRER Sports

GAME TUESDAY
(San Juan Gym)
3 p.m.?Excelroof vs Cobra Energy Drink

VIC MANUEL PROVIDED THE BIGGEST plays as the Pharex B Complex Maroons crushed the Cossack Blue Spirits, 96-83, Saturday to claim the first title berth in the PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Maroons, now on a six-game winning roll, will fight for the crown against the winner between Cobra Energy Drink and Excelroof this Tuesday.

Excelroof forged a winner-take-all match for the last championship slot after the 25ers banked on their top quartet in a fourth-quarter surge to down the Ironmen, 89-81, in the other semifinal encounter.

?We were able to apply everything in our game plan,? said coach Ato Agustin, who banked on Pamboy Raymundo, Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva?the same core players in his NCAA title run with San Sebastian last season.

Manuel pumped in 21 of his 27 points in the second half, including six straight in a 12-2 outburst that gave the Maroons their biggest advantage of 15 points, 81-66, heading into the final four minutes.

?We wouldn?t be here if not for the team play of everybody, and of course, the consistent performance of Vic,? said Pharex coach Aboy Castro.

Aquino topscored with 21 points for the third-ranked 25ers, who kept pace with the Ironmen as Raymundo buried 10 of his 21 points in a pivotal fourth-quarter run for an 80-73 lead.

The scores:
First Game
PHAREX 96?Manuel 27, Adolfo 21, Lopez 11, Reyes 10, Co 7, Arao 6, David 5, Braganza 3, Tecson 3, Hipolito 3, Reyes 0, Gutilban 0.
COSSACK 83?Saguindel 16, Martinez 15, Taganas 14, Zamar 14, Afable 13, Cañizares 7, Simpson 2, Morillo 2, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 18-16, 38-40, 65-55, 96-83
Second Game
EXCELROOF 89?Aquino 21, Raymundo 16, Abueva 14, Sangalang 13, Pascual 10, Taylor 4, Mendoza 4, Del Rio 3, Bulawan 2, Suguitan 2, Celada 0, Agustin 0.
COBRA 81?Lee 29, Llagas 18, Cabahug 15, Mangahas 5, Hayes 5, Fampulme 4, Sarangay 3, Aguilar 2, Torres 0, Reyes 0, Barua 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 40-34, 60-58, 89-81