PBA Philippine Cup: Powerade stuns top-seed B-Meg

Josh Urbiztondo of B- Meg tries to save the ball off Rommel Adducol of Powerade during the two teams’ game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Powerade won, 131-123. PHOTO BY AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—Gary David took matters into his own hands as he dragged Powerade past top-seed B-Meg, 131-123, to clinch a semifinal slot Sunday night in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

David exploded for 23 of his game-high 37 points in the fourth quarter and overtime built on eight-of-13 shooting beyond-the-arc.

“I don’t know what happened, every time I shot the ball it just feels light. I felt like my hands were on fire,” said David, who also had three rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The six-foot-one marksman uncorked a triple that forced extra session with 11.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter before sustaining his hot zone for the Tigers’ first 10 points in overtime.

The Llamados, who became just the third No.1 ranked team to get eliminated by the eight seed, led by as much as 17 points and  by 10, 104-94, with 5:07 in the fourth period.

B-Meg, though, lost its steam as the game grew weary.

Powerade, which shot an impressive 22-of-42 (52.4 percent) from downtown, also drew support from its prized rookies JVee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.

Casio, the top overall pick, had a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists before fouling out while Lassiter added 19 points, including a dagger of a trey with 23.2 ticks left.

Raymundo collected 26 points, five rebounds and seven assists even as PJ simon and James Yap had 25 and 23 points respectively in a losing cause.

Simon nailed back-to-back baskets that pulled the Llamados to within two, 123-125, before Lassiter nailed the clutch triple that sealed the win for the Tigers, who will face the victor of the Rain or Shine-Barangay Ginebra series.

Powerade trailed, 40-57, at one point in the second period.