Head, Gahol and Lastimosa hit the shots that mattered most as they combined for 21 of the Milkmen’s 27 points in the final quarter where the Beermen were held to a dozen points, including a combined six points from their two imports —- Mario Bennett and Lamont Strothers.
The Milkmen wound up tied with FedEx and Red Bull at 6-5 but clinched the No. 4 slot in the quarterfinals due to a higher quotient. Also enjoying twice-to-beat privileges in the next round are Talk N Text (No. 1) vs San Miguel (8), Coca-Cola (2) vs Sta. Lucia Realty (7), and Purefoods (3) vs Red Bull (6).
After the victory, Alaska coach Tim Cone singled out Lastimosa as the key, saying: "I needed him (on the court) to be a model… being unselfish while making big plays. That’s what Jojo’s career has been all about."
In the first game, Shell drew the needed inspiration from new import Cedric Webber as it closed out its elims schedule with a 95-76 victory over Sta. Lucia Realty.
Webber, who played for the North Charleston Lowgators in the National Basketball Development League, had 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a shot block in 26 minutes.
"The mentality of the team changed overnight when Cedric arrived," said Shell coach Perry Ronquillo after his charges posted only their second victory in 11 outings.
Sta. Lucia’s loss, its sixth against five wins, also foiled FedEx’ bid to make it to the top four.