Four teams wage campaign for last PBL semifinal seat

Four teams begin their quest for the last semifinal berth today in the stepladder phase of the Sunkist-PBL 2003 Unity Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.

Blu Star clashes with Nutri-licious in the 2 p.m. opener while Viva Mineral Water collides with Welcoat Paints at 4 p.m.

The Detergent Kings and the Juicers split their elimination round games with Blu outlasting Nutri-licious in double overtime, 92-90, in their first round encounter and the latter pulling off a 63-61 win last Sunday.

Viva, on the other hand, is fancied over Welcoat Paints, which it beat, 59-56, last April 20.

Under the format, the No. 4, 5 and 6 teams will compose Pool A while the No. 7, 8 and 9 teams will make up Pool B in the stepladder phase.

Each team will play a single round robin in their group. The No. 1 team in Pool A will enjoy the twice-to-beat privilege against the top team in Pool B, and the winner of which shall join Hapee Toothpaste, John-O and Montana into the semifinal stage.

In their last encounter, the small guys keyed the Juicers’ victory. Ismael Junio topped with 13 points and five rebounds, including a 3-of-8 clip from the arc while Lanete finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Irvin Sotto posted a double-double feat of 10 points and 10 rebounds although spark plug Nelbert Omolon was reduced to 10 points and eight rebounds.