Hot Cossack moves closer to semifinals

MANILA, Philippines - James Martinez fired 18 points as Cossack Blue rallied to nip Ani-FCA, 70-69, and move within a victory from clinching the first semifinal berth in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last night.

The Spirits fought back from a 58-65 deficit with over four minutes left and Martinez took charge and came through with key baskets to spark a big Cossack run en route to their fourth straight win for the solo lead.

The Spirits shoot for the semis berth against Pharex B-Complex tomorrow.

Paul Zamar backed up Martinez with 12 points.

Ani-FCA had one last chance to foil the Spirits but veteran Christian Luanzon failed to make a decent attempt as time expired. The Cultivators dropped to 0-4.

Earlier, Patrick Cabahug pulled off a jumper in the last seven seconds as Cobra Energy Drink hacked out a thrilling 66-65 win over Excelroof.

The Ironmen squandered a 62-54 lead with less than four minutes left in the contest but hung tough in the clutch with Cabahug coming through in their last offensive play to deliver the third win in four games for Cobra.

The win also snapped Excelroof’s three-game run in the season-opening tournament.

“It was a shot from heaven and we’ll take it anytime,” said coach Lawrence Chongson.

The 25ers actually still had a chance to turn the game around but Pamboy Raymundo missed a running shot as time expired in the game delayed by brownout in Pasig City.

The Ironmen also shone in defense as they shackled Jimbo Aquino to just 9 points on a horrible 4-of-17 shooting.

Cabahug’s heroics also made up for the so-so game by Paul Lee who finished with only 11 points after averaging 23.1 in the team’s first three games. Lee also fouled out with still six minutes left in the game.