Fash stops Viva, gets last ride to semis

Niño Gelig came up with an effort worthy of PBA scouts’ attention as Fash Liquid Power turned back a fighting Viva Mineral Water, 61-56, yesterday to catch the last bus to the semifinals in the PBL Platinum Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.

A bright prospect in the annual PBA draft rites set Jan. 16, Gelig bounced back from an unproductive game the last time out with a 20-point performance including seven in the fourth quarter that sealed the Liquid Powers’ crucial win.

The 2003 Unity Cup titlist joined defending champion Welcoat Paints, Sunkist-University of Santo Tomas and Blustar Detergent in the semis on its seventh win against five losses.

Welcoat Paints smothered Montaña Pawnshop, 90-64, to top the elimination round with a 9-4 win-loss record in the second game.

"I’m happy with my performance. I hope this would give me confidence in the rookie camp tomorrow (today)," said Gelig, who was reportedly being eyed by Barangay Ginebra.

June Peter Simon also made a good account of himself by scoring 13 points. Eugene Tan and Allan Salangsang chipped in significant production in the stretch.

Rich Alvarez contributed six points plus key rebounds in the stretch as he rejoined the team’s main rotation. Last Thursday, the former Ateneo stalwart was used sparingly due to tardiness.

Fash manager Bernard Yang told The STAR that they spared Alvarez from paying a fine because the latter promised to do good in the next round. The two-time UAAP MVP, Yang said, was the first to report in yesterday’s game.

"All’s well that ends well," said Fash coach Junel Baculi. "I’m glad we can now focus in winning more games in the semis."