Jumbo Plastic outsteadied Foton in their quarterfinal encounter, 71-62, Thursday night to become the first squad to gain the semifinals of the PCBL Founders Cup at JCSGO Gym.
James Martinez finished with 18 points for the Linoleum Giants, who weathered a late rally by the Toplander.
In the other game, Cagayan Valley clobbered Sta. Lucia, 82-67, and forced a knockout game for the right to face Jumbo Plastic in a best-of-three semifinal series.
Mark Brana scored 15 of his 22 points in the fourth period, but the game’s biggest story was the Rising Suns’ defense on Realtors’ top gunner Mark Montilla, who was held down to just four points in the second half and ended the game with a 11.
“Our game plan worked against Montilla,” said Cagayan Valley coach Ronnie Dojillo. “It was one of the keys to our win.”
The scores:
First Game
CAGAYAN VALLEY 82—Brana 22, Bangga 19, Arce 12, Siruma 9, Flores 6, Acidre 4, Caranguian 4, Macasling 3, Managuelad 3, Salcede 0, Isit 0.
STA. LUCIA 67—Escosio 13, Celiz 12, Salado 12, Montilla 11, Vidal 7, Castanerez 3, Camasura 3, Gabriel 2, Onwubere 2, Wetherell 2, Ablaza 0, Ilagan 0, Bautista 0, Sarangay 0.
Quarters: 15-21; 38-30; 56-51; 82-67
Second Game
JUMBO PLASTIC 71—Martinez 18, Euigilos 10, J. Lopez 8, Taganas 8, Viernes 6, Padilla 6, Tayongtong 6, Lopez 5, Arellano 4, Mandani 0, Acosta 0, Perez 0.
FOTON 62—Hernandez 19, Rivera 13, Reyes 8, Mangahas 7, Baraga 5, Penaflor 3, Gomez 3, Rosaroso 2, Nacpil 2.
Quarters: 19-12; 41-28; 54-41; 71-62