Shark zeroes in on semis berth

Defending champion Shark found a hero in Jing Rodriguez in the homestretch as it tripped Ateneo-Pioneer Insurance, 84-76, yesterday to close in on the first of the two semifinal berths in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The seldom-used Rodriguez scored with nine of his conference-high 18 points in the fourth quarter, including six in the last two minutes to power the Power Boosters to their ninth victory in 13 games.

"Chester (Tolomia) had several crucial shots but I think it's Jing who stepped up when we needed it most," said Shark coach Leo Austria.

Tolomia, one of the top prospects in today’s PBA rookie draft, hit two three-pointers in the fourth quarter as Shark grabbed the lead, 73-71, before Rodriguez came through with back-to-back baskets that virtually broke the back of the Insurers.

In the other game, ICTSI-La Salle clobbered Ana Freezers, 100-86, to notch its ninth win against four defeats.

Leo Avenido sizzled with 10 of his game-high 23 markers in the third period when Ateneo-Pioneer seized control but was held to just a basket in the last quarter as Michael Robinson shackled him with a pressure defense.

Rookies Billy Mamaril and Magnum Membrere tried to keep the Insurers in the thick of the fight but faltered in the closing minute as the Ricky Dandan-mentored squad fell to its ninth loss in 13 matches.

Enrico Villanueva’s ejection after two technical fouls late in the opening quarter took its toll on the Insurers’ bid as they sorely missed his services at crunchtime. — Joey Villar