Powerade powerless as B-Meg enters semis

MANILA, Philippines - B-Meg regrouped in overtime after blowing away a four-point lead in the last 16 seconds in regulation play, fending off the fierce-fighting Powerade side, 110-98, to seal its semis entry in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi, Albay last night.

James Yap, Josh Urbiztondo, Yancy de Ocampo, Marc Pingris and Marcus Blakely did the job for B-Meg in the extra period, and the Llamados eventually advanced to the semis, joining early qualifiers Rain or Shine, Talk n Text, Barangay Ginebra and Petron Blaze.

B-Meg is carrying over a 6-3 win-loss card into the semis.

The Llamados overcame the Tigers’ late charge in their Phoenix Fuel-sponsored road game, sending Powerade to a 4-5 wind-up.

Meralco tries to automatically clinch the last semis slot in going for a 5-4 closing card versus Barako Bull in the final playdate of the elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The two teams clash at 4:15 p.m. with the Energy out to forge a three-way tie at sixth place at 4-5 among themselves, the Bolts and the Tigers.

If ever, the tie will be resolved by a double playoff set Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rain or Shine and Talk n Text are already looking far ahead, not just the semifinals, as they battle in tonight’s 6:30 p.m. tiff.

Both assured of a semis berth, the Elasto Painters and the Tropang Texters are already out to push their drive for the finals.

Rain or Shine is highly motivated with its front-running 7-1 slate. Talk n Text is two full games behind at second place at 5-3.

“This is an opportune time to prove that Rain or Shine is for real. To win will solidify our hold on first place and gets us closer to a first finals appearance for the franchise,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes said they face an acid test, acknowledging Rain or Shine plays the best at the moment.

“They’re the best team with the best import coming off a long rest. We need to figure how to stop them. They’re a very confident team right now and with good reason,” said Reyes.

Gary David erupted for 34 points, including a three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left as the Tigers forced extension play versus the Llamados at 90-all.

Lordy Tugade and Jondan Salvador also buried clutch baskets helping the Tigers charge back from a 10-point deficit at 72-82.

The Tigers were still down, 85-89, with 16.2 left.