Viva, Montana trounce rivals

Motivated by his performance in a tough playoff victory over Blu Star Power the last time out, Dennis Miranda took over for Viva Mineral again as the Water Force stunned the John-O Senators, 60-58, at the start of the semifinal round of the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the Pasay Sports Complex.

Two days after erupting for 23 points, Miranda was at it again yesterday, scattering nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Water Force completed their stunning comeback from deficits of as many as 15 in the second quarter.

It was a sweet victory for the gritty Water Force side, which had to go through the proverbial eye of the needle in the qualifying phase to make it past Blu Star and then played catch up majority of the way yesterday until Miranda caught fire in the payoff period.

"Wala na akong masasabi sa bata," said Viva coach Coy Banal referring to his talented guard out of Far Eastern U. "He always gives us his 101-percent despite the fatigue and all."

Taking advantage of a two-week rest, the Senators pounced on their rivals’ shaky start as Ranidel De Ocampo and Ricky Calimag dominated the shaded area as John-O seized a 34-20 lead at the turn.

In the other game, Montana Pawnshop edged Hapee Toothpaste, 63-61.