Harbour Centre firms up semis bid

Harbour Centre, as expected, defeated Negros Navigation-San Beda, 85-69, yesterday to inch closer to an outright semis berth in the PBL Unity Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

With Mark Cardona leading the team’s well-balanced attack, the Port Masters encountered little problem cruising to their fourth straight win and eighth overall in 10 games that put them within sight of the Final Four right in their maiden campaign.

Though they still have one game left in the elims, the Port Masters must pray for a Montaña Pawnshop victory over bitter rival Welcoat Paints on Tuesday to formalize their entry in the round of four.

In the second game, Toyota Otis-Letran whipped Bacchus Energy Drink, 63-79, to boost its bid for a twice-to-beat privilege in the quarterfinal round.

Despite improving their record to 6-4, the Knights must still win their last game against Magnolia Ice Cream, the defending champion, to tighten their bid.

With their defeats, both the Red Lions and Energy Kings were eliminated.

Cardona, the hottest candidate for the MVP award, logged 17 points, including eight in the third quarter where the Port Masters repeatedly quashed Negros‚ determined comebacks. He also had six rebounds and five steals in just 24 minutes of play.

Harbour coach Tonichi Yturri got a little of everything from almost everybody as they controlled the game with their splendid transition plays and stifling defense anchored on Cardona, Paolo Bugia, LA Tenorio and Jerwin Gaco.

With the inspired performance of Bugia in the shaded lane, the Port Marster hardly missed the services of top slotman Gabby Espinas who was suspended for his involvement in a near-free for all against Toyota Otis-Letran last Thursday.

"Everybody stepped for the win. Bugia effectively manned the slot left by Gabby and I’m satisfied for it," said Yturri.

who is hoping to sustain the momentum they gained from a four-game winning streak when they clash with the Jewels next week.

„It‚s important for us to play this kind of level because the tournament is entering its crucial stage,‰ said Yturri. „I‚m still hoping that we can play better next time.‰

Playing in the shadow of Espinas for most of the time, Gaco produced double-double performance, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Bugia had 14 points and eight rebounds as the Port Masters dominated the game right from the tip-off.

With Jenkins Mesina joining the fray, the Port Masters built an imposing 75-58 lead midway in the final canto. Mesina struck hardest in the fourth with nine points.

Yousif Aljamal paced the Red Lions with 22 points but in their previous games, he lacked the support of his teammates. Even Noy Javier, a recruit from the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, was a big disappointment, missing all his four attempts from the field.