Pharma rumbles on, routs Ateneo Games tomorrow

Pharmaquick demolished Ateneo-Pioneer Insurance, 81-54, yesterday to remain on top of the losers’ bracket in the quarterfinal round in the PBL Chairman’s Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Pharmacists unleashed a torrid run in the second quarter then thwarted their rivals’ comeback bid in the second half to run away with the victory.

Ex-pro Jun Jabar, Jay Lapinid, Bruce Dacia and prized rookie Leo Avenido spearheaded Pharmaquick’s victory, the Pharmacists’ sixth in 10 games.

The victory thus moved the Pharmacists within a win of clinching the top spot in the second group for a crack at the fourth and last semifinal berth against the last-placer in the winners’ bracket.

Later in the day, Hapee Toothpaste, one of the three remaining teams in Group B with chances of making it into the semis, eliminated Montaña Pawnshop with a 64-59 win.

It was the Teeth Sparklers’ fifth win in 10 games as they kept the Pharmacists within striking distance. — Joey Villar