Sparks near first ever finals; Jewels tie series

Toyota Otis shackled Rain or Shine with a pesky defense in the first three quarters then went on to fashion out a 71-55 victory yesterday and move in the threshold of a first ever finals appearance in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivares Sports Center in Parañaque.

The Sparks held the Elasto Painters to just 29 points in the first three quarters while scoring almost at will on the other end before they cruised along in the final period to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal showdown.

"Just like what I’ve said before this game, we’ll have a chance of beating Rain or Shine if we can limit their score to below 60 and we did it today," said Toyota Otis coach Louie Alas, architect of Letran’s title romps in the NCAA in 2003 and 2005.

"But I’m disappointed with my players because they’re celebrating early and the series isn’t over. Knowing Rain or Shine and coach Leo (Austria), they’re capable of bouncing back so we have to be prepared," he added.

In the other game, Montaña Pawnshop bucked the absence of Alex Compton as it tripped Harbour Centre, 86-82, to even their own series at one game apiece.

With Compton out with back spasm, the Jewels leaned on the Froilan Baguion-Al Magpayo tandem as they repulsed the Port Masters this time. Harbour took the series’ opener, 85-79.

"The other guys stepped up in the absence of Alex and I hope we’ll continue to play like that because Alex is going to be out for another week," said Montaña mentor Nel Parado.

Baguion and Magpayo combined for 33 points for the Jewels, who also drew 11 points each from Reed Juntilla and Larry Rodriquez while Eric dela Cuesta tossed in 10 points.

Down 60-65 early in the last period, the Jewels called on Rodriguez who unleashed a 10-point splurge to fuel a run that gave Montaña the lead for good.