EURO-MED bucked a slow start before pouring its might in the second half to nip Kama Motors, 73-71, and secure a final eight incentive in the PCBL Founders Cup at JCSGO Gym.
Pari Llagas came off the bench and scored 12 points in the second half despite a hamstring injury, leading Euro-Med to the No. 4 spot in the quarterfinal round and a twice-to-beat advantage.
Euro-Med and Kama Motors will square off anew in the next round of the event being supported by Ambucore, Accel, Aquabest and Spalding.
A former University of the East standout, Llagas also pulled down seven boards for Euro-Med, which had only seven points in the first period to trail by 11 points, 18-7.
But Mar Villahermosa, Carl Cruz and Adrian Santos brought Euro-Med back into the game while Paul Zamar connected on a buzzer-beater as they ended the first half behind by just 31-30.
The scores:
EURO-MED 73—Llagas 12, Jeruta 10, Cruz 10, Santos 10, Villahermosa 9, Zamar 6, Custodio 5, de Leon 4, Abundo 4, Cortes 3, Cenal 0, Galanza 0, Alberto 0, Celso 0.
KAMA MOTORS 71—Montuano 15, Cabrera 13, Cawaling 12, Lingganay 11, Ambulodto 8, Calisaan 6, Ortuoste 4, Argamino 2, Pontejos 0, Lunor 0, Saitanan 0, Ludovice 0.
Quarters: 7-18, 30-31, 52-47, 73-71