Mobiline whips Tanduay in OT

Mobiline outclassed Tanduay in overtime as the Phone Pals posted their first successive victories in the season to move back in the thick of the fight for a twice-to-beat privilege in the PBA All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals.

The Phone Pals played efficiently on both ends of the court at crunchtime and pulled off an 85-76 win over the Rhum Masters last night in a key followup to their 76-73 decision over the Purefoods Hotdogs Sunday that had the team closing in on the tournament leaders.

With its first back-to-back wins in the conference, Mobiline moved within two and a half games of Red Bull, San Miguel and Shell and only a game behind Alaska, Pop Cola and Ginebra at 4-5.

And with the team making it two-in-a-row in the absence of main man Victor Pablo, Mobiline coach Louie Alas appeared more confident of making it past the elimination round and might even have a good shot at the Magic Four which guarantees twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

"Nasa gitna na kami at medyo dikit-dikit pa rin naman lahat ng team. Tingin ko malaki pa ang laban namin sa twice-to-beat," said Alas.