Valencia, thus, forged a pair of knockout matches pitting Tribu Sugbu against the North Cotabato Braves and the host team against the Pagadian Explorers. The winners will advance into the finals.
It was Valencia's first win over Tribu Sugbu in four games during last year's NBC regular season. Tribu Sugbu swept Valencia in three games last year-73-67 in the elimination on June 18 and 93-88 in double overtime and 72-67 during the South semifinals on October 4 and October 7, respectively.
Valencia, trailing by three at the turn, 33-36, outscored Tribu Sugbu in the fourth period, 23-11, to steal the win.
Valencia's stifling defense shackled Tribu Sugbu's key gunners, including reigning MVP Chris Nicdao who scored onle 10 points. So effecting its defense was that Valencia held Dony Yabut scoreless.
Four Tribuhanons chipped in with double figures led by Alex Cainglet with 15 points. Miguelito Ducay and Doroteo Almacin added 10 points apiece, but their efforts went for naught as Tribu couldn't sustain the momentum of its two-game win streak.
Guards Julius Navales and Boy Ayson led Valencia with 13 points each, but the presence of Nat Cruz was a big boost as he had a significant contribution with eight points aside from helping Boboy Berami and Jimmy Taligatos in the rebounds.
Kim Calo did not score, while Bernie Ursal was limited to just five points for Tribu Sugbu.
With similar 2-1 win-loss records, the crowd are expecting a grudge rematch between Tribu and Valencia in the finals.
The scores
Valencia (70) - Navales 13, Ayson 13, Numeran 9, Taligatos 9, Cruz 8, Clavel 5, Cesar 5, Berami 3, Cabili 3, Braga 2
Tribu Sugbu (67) - Cainglet 15, Ducay 10, Almacin 10, Nicdao 10, Bucao 9, Ursal 5, Sevilla 2, Butel 2 Halftime: 33-36