Top seed Batangas City-Tanduay punched its ticket to the semifinals on Saturday night with another dominant performance, while Quezon City-Royal Manila lived to fight another day after grinding out a stunning 76-68 away win over Valenzuela-Yulz in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup at Valenzuela Astrodome.
The Athletics rolled past the Bataan Defenders Baishipping, 95-82, behind solid efforts from ex-pros Lester Alvarez, Val Acuña and Jhaymo Eguilos to complete a two-game sweep of their quarterfinal series.
Unfazed by the lively hometown crowd that cheered on their every mistake, the Capitals turned the tables on the Classic after riding the heroics of guard Alwin Alday.
The 5-foot-10 Alday, a star in recreational leagues in Metro Manila, pumped in 10 points, four rebounds and four steals to typify the Capitals’ gutsy stand.
Hesed Gabo, the former Mapua guard, tallied 17 points, including a dagger of a triple with 1:11 remaining that gave the Capitals a 72-62 edge.
“The mentality coming to this game was not do-or-die, it’s do or do it,” said QC coach Vis Valencia.
The schedule and venue of Game 3 will depend on the outcome of the other two series.
The Classic lost for the first time at home as they struggled to counter the Capitals’ hustle and energy in the second half. They missed Paolo Hubalde who was sidelined by an injured rib.
Alvarez finished with 17 points and Acuña added 14 for the Athletics, whose depth and firepower were again on full display against an overmatched Bataan team that lost Gary David due to fouls early in the fourth quarter.