The Water Force, working on a fluid motion game, smashed the Alex Compton-less LBC Blades, 80-71, while the Detergent Kings came back to life in the stretch and nipped the ICTSI Archers, 71-70.
Viva will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over Blu in their duel for the right to join John-O, Hapee Toothpaste and Montana Pawnshop in the semifinals.
The Water Force take the first of their two cracks at the semis as they play the Detergent Kings at 3 p.m. tomorrow in the same Pasig venue.
Erick dela Cuesta, John Paul Prior and Rey Mendez provided the firepower for the Detergent Kings as they overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.