Warren Ybañez and Arwind Santos came through with clutch baskets in the fourth quarter while Sunny Margate pitched in a solid defensive effort, propelling the Water Force to a second win in eight outings.
James Yap scored the points that mattered the most as Welcoat Paints overcame an early 16-point deficit in getting back at first round tormentor Fash Liquid Power, 82-77, in the second game.
Ybañez kept his team afloat with six of his 17 points in the early part of the fourth quarter while Santos delivered the back-breaker on a five-point binge in the closing seconds.
Margate, who played in the defunct MBA before joining Viva last conference, chipped in eight points, 10 rebounds, six steals, three assists and one block.
More importantly, the 6-foot-1 Fil-Am put in a good job in containing the usually prolific Joseph Yeo.
Yeo was limited to only six points in a game he wanted to deliver big numbers in the absence of teammates Mark Cardona, TY Tang and Cholo Villanueva.
Cardona is out of the season due to a recurring foot injury, Tang is nursing a twisted ankle and Villanueva a dislocated elbow.
"We’re happy we took the first step to the semifinals," said Viva coach Koy Banal. "It’s difficult but we know we still have a chance so we’ll take it one game at a time.
Viva must beat Montaña Pawnshop tomorrow in the league’s last play date before holidays and hope for the best against powerhouse teams in Blustar Detergent, Welcoat Paints and Fash Liquid Powers at the resumption of action in January to get a shot at the semis.
After nine lead changes and five deadlocks, the Water Force took the initiative, 47-40, when Ybañez sparked a mighty third quarter attack.