LS-Osaka stalls Ateneo-Pioneer

Though out of contention, La Salle-Osaka Iridology still carried out the mission as it stalled Ateneo-Osaka Insurance, 66-59, last night at the close of its elimination-round campaign in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Iridologists nearly blew a 17-point lead but hung tough in the clutch to post what was only their third win in 10 games that likewise foiled their rivals’ bid to formalize their stint in the next round.

Ateneo-Pioneer fell to its sixth loss against four victories and will have to beat Ana Freezer to clinch the last semifinal berth.

Alvin Castro fired 13 of his game-high 21 points in the third quarter as La Salle-Osaka built a 17-point bulge, 56-39, but nearly cracked up when Ateneo-Pioneer closed within three, 57-60, with three minutes remaining in the contest.

Boysen-MLQU ousted Mr. Wash-FEU from contention into the crossover semifinals following a 57-51 triumph yesterday in the first Philippine Youth Basketball League also at the Makati Coliseum.

Edelito Saygo topscored with 20 points while Ceazar Rivera added 14 as the Paint Experts held the Laundry Experts scoreless in the final 2:13 to wind up a five-game sweep of the quarterfinal round in the winners' bracket.

The victory also tagged along both Skyland Estate and Mercury Freight-St. Benilde into the crossover semifinals. The wild card entry from the consolation bracket will complete the cast.

For now, only Spring Cooking Oil, at 4-0, and Dazz-Letran are in contention for the wild card entry whereby Dazz-Letran must beat Spring Cooking Oil by at least seven points on Sunday. - Joey Villar