Blu keeps semifinal hopes afloat

CEBU – Blu All Purpose unleashed vicious runs in the final two quarters as it turned back GMC Tortillos, 78-72, yesterday to keep its semifinal hopes alive in the PBL-CBF Dual Meet II at the University of San Carlos Gym here.

Lou Gatumbato and Marlon Legaspi spearheaded the final-half onslaught that carried the Detergent Kings to their second win in three outings.

"It’s a crucial win for us," said Blu coach Leo Isaac.

Gatumbato and Legaspi took turns in delivering the goods in the third quarter staking the 2002 PBL Chairman’s Cup runners-up to a 64-44 lead from a slim 40-33 count at halftime.

And Gatumbato unleashed more bombs in the fourth quarter, scoring on a three-point play and draining a triple that gave the Detergent Kings their biggest lead, 74-51, with 6:30 left in the clock.

The Detergent Kings, who dropped a heartbreaking 72-64 defeat to the Regent-Shark Cheeseballs Thursday, relaxed a bit down the stretch, enabling GMC Tortillos to come close in the end.

Gatumbato, who played for the Iloilo Megavoltz in the disbanded MBA, led all scorers with 18 points with Legaspi, one of the country’s fast-rising big men, adding 15 markers despite playing hurt.

Despite the win, Isaac took a potshot at the officiating. He said: "We really want to blow the game out of reach because we know the officiating would turn really bad if it’s a close game and your playing a Cebu-based team."

Ex-por Johnedel Cardel and local boy Jet Latonio had 14 and 11 points, respectively, for GMC which absorbed a third loss in five outings. GMC played minus injured forward Reuben dela Rosa.

On Thursday, Regent-Shark relied on Ismael Junio’s fourth quarter heroics as it repulsed Blu All Purpose, 72-64, to clinch the first semifinal .

Junio erupted for nine of his 15 points in the final period as the Cheeseballs nailed a fourth win in five games that assured the team of a trip to the semis.

"We just stayed focused because my players knew that Blu would not easily give up," said Regent-Shark coach Jing Ruiz.

Cebu-based squads GMC Tortillos and Casino Ethyl Alcohol likewise made their moves after the two hurdled their respective assignments.

GMC Tortillos outlasted Cebuana Lhuillier, 86-82, for its second win in four outings while Casino drubbed Skygo Riders, 63-57, for its first win against three losses.