Slashers turn back Waves, enter semis

BACOLOD CITY – RCPI-Negros exploded for 48 points in the fourth quarter yesterday to pull off a 101-99 victory over Osaka-Pangasinan and nail a semifinal berth in the MBA First Conference at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.

After struggling in the first three quarters, the Slashers suddenly caught fire in the final period where they overhauled a huge 29-point deficit en route to their seventh win against only two defeats and the solo lead in the South division.

With the victory, the Slashers can now afford to lose their last game against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems at 6 tonight and still figure in a knockout semifinal against either the Professional Davao Eagles (6-3) or the Gems (5-4).

The Waves took a 78-53 lead at the end of the third quarter and seemed well on their way to a breezy win until the Slashers went on a scoring spree, hitting their shots on almost each of their ball possessions. Pangasinan fell to 4-5.

Dino Aldeguer and Reynel Hugnatan presided over the Slashers’ big comeback as they finished with 19 points apiece. Other Negros players who scored in double figures were Jose Francisco with 15, Carlo Espiritu with 11 and John Ferriols with 10.

Chris Clay topscored for the Waves with 29 points while Randy Alcantara chipped in 25. A big disappoinment for the team, however, was Rommel Adducul who was held to nine points.