Blades lash Pampanga Stars, reach MBA semis

LBC Batangas gears up for a much-awaited rematch versus Olongapo as it trounced Pampanga, 85-80, Friday night and barged into the semifinals of the MBA’s First Conference at the Lipa Cultural Center.

Eddie Laure and Alex Compton, who had one MVP trophy apiece, combined for 31 points, 23 rebounds and eight assists as the Blades extended their amazing run to six following three straight defeats.

More importantly, LBC Batangas goes up against tormentor Olongapo (6-3) at 3 p.m. today in Lipa City with momentum, confidence and the hopes of avenging an 85-90 loss in the two team’s initial encounter on April 7 in Olongapo City.

The winner of the Olongapo-LBC Batangas match clinches the top spot in the Northern Conference and a homecourt advantage against the No. 2 team from the South, which is being contested by TPG Davao and Cebuana Lhuillier.

The Stars, who were without injured playing coach Ato Agustin for the second game in a row, closed out the elims with a league low 1-9 record.

Over at the University of St. La Salle Gym in Bacolod City, the Osaka Pangasinan Waves derailed the Professional Davao Eagles’ bid of clinching an outright semis seat with a 100-87 triumph yesterday.