Oracle books first ticket to semifinal

MANILA, Philippines – Oracle Residences leaned on the gutsy plays of John Wilson and Benedict Fernandez in the final period to beat Licealiz, 79-72, and clinch the first semis berth in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Unity Cup yesterday at the San Juan gym.

Wilson led Oracle’s well-balanced attack, firing 16 points, including six charities in the last 52 seconds to help the Titans ward off Licealiz’s last-ditch comeback bid.

Oracle remained unbeaten in five starts in the season-ending tournament.

The Titans also got significant numbers from Fernandez, whose triple and a jaw-dropping undergoal basket fueled a mild run that padded their lead to 72-62.

Fernandez and Jason Nocum finished with 13 points each as the Titans reaffirmed their mastery of the Hair Doctors – the same squad they swept in the semis last conference when they’re still carrying the colors of Harbour Centre.

In the second game, Pharex clobbered Cobra Energy Drink, 82-62, in the most lopsided game in the tourney thus far.

The Bidang Generix improved to 2-3 while the Energy Warriors slid to 1-4.

Cebuano hotshot Ian Saladaga scored six of his game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter for the Bidang Generix.

“As a first time coach in the league, I’m happy for our achievement right now but we still have to work harder to fulfill our ultimate goal,” said Oracle coach Glen Capacio.

Chris Timblerblake had 11 points, six steals, three assists and the same number of rebounds for Oracle.

The Hair Doctors dominated the boards, 52-36, but poor shooting stymied their bid. They converted only 27 of 54 tries.