Excelroof enters semis; Cobra wins

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof, banking on the sterling efforts of Jimbo Aquino, Marc Agustin and Marc Abueva, outlasted Cossack Blue, 89-82, to secure a semifinals berth in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup yesterday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

Abueva came through with a lot of hustle plays while Aquino and Agustin hit clutch baskets enabling Excelroof to cut loose from a tight, seesawing duel.

Aquino, the 2009 NCAA MVP awardee, finished with a team-high 19 points, Abueva got away with double-double numbers with 13 points and 14 rebounds while Agustin made six important points at the finish.

The three negated Earl Saguindel’s 29-point explosion as Excelroof clinched the second semis berth with a 5-1 win-loss record.

Pharex B-Complex took the first slot last Thursday with a thrilling 86-83 win over AddMix.

Excelroof, owned by Edwin Chua and managed by Oliver Gianan, and Pharex meet Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan, disputing the No. 1 spot and a twice-to-beat edge in the semis.

After a perfect 4-0 start, the Spirits suffered a second straight loss to move down to third place in a tie with sister team Cobra Energy Drink.

Guards Paul Lee and Jai Reyes played big as the Cobra Ironmen, coached by Lawrence Chongson and Mark Herrera, nipped Ani-FCA, 87-85, in overtime in the second game.

“The boys didn’t give up and we got the win that kept us in the running for the No. 1 spot,” said Excelroof coach Ato Agustin.

“Abueva made a big difference as he played with so much energy and his effort rubbed off to his teammates,” Agustin added.

Back-to-back key plays by Abueva had Excelroof taking a commanding eight-point spread at 78-70.