Billiones keys Blu’s entry to semis

Ernesto Billiones took charge for Blu Sun Power in the final stretch, scoring the team’s final nine points in a 58-52 win over Ana Freezers that sent the Detergent Kings to the semifinal round of the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ateneo-Pioneer clinched a playoff crack as it downed Pharmaquick, 78-59, for its fourth win against five losses in the other game.

Billiones scored a game-high 20 points, including 11 in the last quarter, leading the Detergent Kings to their sixth win in nine outings.

But more than Billiones’ endgame heroics, Blu coach Nat Canson said it was their defense that saved them from falling down in defeat.

"Egay (Billiones) was impressive in the crucial stretch but I think it’s our defense that spelled the big difference in our victory," said Canson.

Ariel Capuz sizzled with seven points in the third quarter but rode the bench in the payoff period. The Freezers floundered at endgame and suffered their sixth loss against four wins.

Down by 10 at 23-33, Ana rode high on the exploits of Capus as the Freezers made a big run, taking a 43-38 lead going into the final quarter.