Realtors, Caida five zero in on PCBL title duel
Sta. Lucia Realty and Caida Tiles pulled off similar hard-earned wins at JCSGO Gym on Thursday night to move within a win of forging a finals showdown in the PCBL Founders Cup.
Mac Montilla hit baskets in the clutch as Sta. Lucia nipped Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, 72-68, to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three semifinals series.
Caida Tiles outlasted Euro-Med, 87-81, to also move within a win of securing a berth in the title series of the tournament supported by Accel, Ambucore, Spalding and Aquabest.
The Realtors and the Tile Masters can wrap up the series with a win each today, also JCSGO Gym.
Montilla hit a triple with 53 seconds left to shatter the game’s last tie and give the Realtors a 70-67 lead.
Macky Acosta missed a three-pointer for the Linoleum Giants in the ensuring play.
Jeff Viernes split his charities to shove the Jumbo Plastic to within a basket, 70-68, with 34 seconds left, but 6-foot-6 center Jun Gabriel retaliated with a short stab to put the game away for Sta. Lucia.
Jiovani Jalalon shone for Caida Tiles with 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The scores:
First Game
CAIDA TILES 87—Jalalon 20, Maiquez 16, Terso 8, Lozada 7, Ruaya 7, Hayes 6, Robles 6, Corpuz 5, Ga-bawan 5, Leynes 3, Rios 2, Almario 2.
EURO-MED 81—Custodio 18, Villahermosa 17, Llagas 15, de Leon 10, Cortes 8, Galanza 6, Jeruta 4, Abundo 3, Zamar 0, Celso 0, Cruz 0.
Quarters: 18-14, 35-38, 60-59, 87-81
Second Game
SANTA LUCIA 72—Ilagan 12, Bautista 11, Gabriel 11, Vidal 10, Montilla 9, Escosio 8, Salado 6, Wetherell 3, Onwubere 2, Camasura 0, Celiz 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 68—J. Lopez 14, Acosta 13, M. Lopez 12, Eguilos 10, Viernes 8, Arellano 7, Mandani 2, Martinez 2, Padilla 0, Taganas 0, Perez 0, Tayongtong 0.
Quarters: 13-12, 28-30, 43-49, 72-68
