Drawing a big game from Eric dela Cuesta, the Detergent Kings downed the Water Force, 77-71, last Saturday to force a sudden death for the right to join John-O, Hapee Toothpaste and Montana Pawnshop into the next round.
It was Blu Star’s third win in a row, giving the momentum to the Detergent Kings and putting the pressure on the Water Force in the lone 3 p.m. encounter.
"Although patas pa rin pagdating sa tao, lamang naman kami sa momentum," said Blu Star coach Leo Isaac. "At ang mas importante, nasa kanila na ang pressure ngayon."
Expect dela Cuesta, a Bukidnon native, to carry the cudgels again for Blu Star as he tries to duplicate, if not surpass, his 28-point output the last time out that also saw five Detergent Kings shine both in offense and defense — Randy Lopez, Lou Gatumbato, John Paul Prior, Rey Mendez and Roland Pascual.
Lopez, for one has taken over the starting spot formerly held by Allan Gamboa and delivered 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and four shotblocks.
Despite the loss, however, Viva coach Coy Banal is not about to press the panic button "Its just one game and there is another game for us to make up for that loss. We just need to work harder."