REIGNING Davies Paints Cup champions Mortaflex advanced to the finals with a 63-61 squeaker over Sun & Rain in the semifinals on Saturday at the University of San Carlos gym.
League MVP Ed Macasling had another fantastic outing as he scored 25 points, grabbed five rebounds and added two steals to pace Mortaflex, who had the numbers going against them with just eight players suiting up. Niel Benedicto also powered his way to 10 points and six rebounds while guard Julius Orit proved to be the difference-maker with an all-around showing of eight points, seven boards and four dimes.
Mortaflex had to endure some nerve-wracking moments down the stretch before winding up with the win. Ahead 63-59, with under seconds remaining, Benedicto bungled an inbound pass that led to an uncontested two by Jun Villacorta to cut the deficit to two. Macasling was then fouled but missed two free throws with 0.9 of a second left.
However, Sun & Rain’s Ferdinand Tiro’s potential game-winner was way short as time expired to hand Mortaflex the victory. Sun & Rain was led by Mike Cinco’s 26 markers.
Mortaflex will have to wait for their opponent after Megacryl500 sent the other semis match-up to a do-or-die game with a 77-70 win over Bio-Fresh+.
Loreniel Tequin had 22 points while Malvin Malicdem chipped in 12 to rouse Megacryl500 to the crucial win.
Ayi Armenion had 31 markers to pace the losing squad. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio