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By Llanesca T. Panti Reporter
ERWIN STA. MARIA scored a
career-high 32 points as Toyota Balintawak outlasted Mail and More
in overtime, 81-78, to reach the semifinals of the 2008 PBL V-Go
Extreme Energy Drink Cup Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.
The victory set up coach Ariel
Vanguardia’s Roadkings against unbeaten Hapee Complete Protectors.
The Roadkings bungled on their
opportunity to secure the twice-to-beat advantage after their sorry
51-71 loss at the hands of the lowly Bacchus Energy Raiders. They
rebounded from a lousy performance by trouncing the Comets in the
playoff for the bonus, 77-68.
The Rey Oben-owned franchise,
however, faltered against the Comets in their first quarterfinal
game 62-69, which extended the series to a winner take-all.
“The guys wanted this to give
themselves a very good Christmas gift thru this win,” an elated
Vanguardia said. “We never gave up and we were rewarded with this
victory.”
Sta. Maria scored five straight
points in overtime to ignite a 7-2 Toyota run, but Mail and More
made one last push and threatened at 78-79 within the final 15
seconds. But Toyota’s Cholo Villanueva sealed the deal with two
free throws for the final count.
The Comets looked headed for an
upset win after David scored on an undergoal stab and an Abby
Santos’ split from the free throw line for a 70-68 cushion in
regulation, but Sta. Maria banged a floater to tie the count with
nine seconds left.
Arellano had the chance to
salvage the victory for Mail and More, but he committed a turnover
at the baseline that forced the extra time.
The other semifinal match will
feature three-time champion Harbour Centre and San Mig Coffee.
The Coffee Kings easily sent
league newcomer Pharex Medics packing the other day with a 77-65
triumph as Sam Ekwe topped the field with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
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