Bacchus sears Burger King, enters semifinal

Bacchus established a huge lead in the second quarter and held off Burger King’s endgame chase, booking a seat in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup semifinal round with a 69-60 win yesterday at the Guadalupe Viejo Sports Complex in Makati.

Rookie guard Paul Lee came through with a double-double game highlighted by clutch plays at the finish as the Energy Warriors gained its first Final Four stint in the league.

“Time and again, Lee bailed us. That’s the value to the team of our rookie star,” said coach Lawrence Chongson of the University of the East product churning out 17 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three assists in 27 minutes action in the contest.

Pharex forced a knockout match with Hapee Toothpaste for the last semis slot on a 76-61 win later in the night.

The Generix rode high on the exploits of former slum dunk king Elmer Espiritu as they again lived to fight another game on a fifth straight victory.

The knockout setto is set at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

Lee made up for two straight errors with a crucial jumper that sealed Bacchus’ win.

The Energy Warriors came into the game armed with a twice-to-beat advantage but they worked hard to dispose of BK just in one game.

“We used all the pains and frustrations of our past campaigns to motivate us,” said Chongson.

Bacchus almost lost control when the Stunners rallied to within 60-64 with 1:34 left on a run made by Mac Baracael, Abby Santos and Fil-Am Joey Deas.

The Energy Warriors eased the pressure on the counterattack presided over by Lee himself.

Lee drew significant help from James Martinez and Rey Guevarra who combined for 24 points.

Their heroics negated the brilliant 16-point effort of BK’s new recruit Joey Deas. The Fil-Am guard dazzled the crowd with his crossover and daring drives.