Pasig-Sta. Lucia outgunned Nueva Ecija, 79-66, to book the last semifinal ticket in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym Thursday night.
Cedrick Ablaza and Justin Arana steered the Realtors with double-double performances in the do-or-die quarters duel to set up a knockout semis match with AICC Manila Friday.
Ablaza pumped in 14 points and 12 rebounds while Arana fired 13 points and 11 boards for Pasig-Sta. Lucia, who followed up its 99-79 win in its first playoff meeting with Nueva Ecija Last Tuesday.
Nueva Ecija enjoyed a twice-to-beat incentive in its matchup but failed to capitalize on this advantage.
Pasig-Sta. Lucia’s quarters feat also avenged its stinging 70-68 defeat to Nueva Ecija in the eliminations last Oct. 31.
Ryan Costelo topscored for the Realtors with 18 points, eight boards and three assists, while skipper Jeric Teng delivered 16 points as they padded their 22-13 first-quarter lead to 14, 40-26, at the half.
The Realtors held that double-digit upperhand for good, leading by as many as 17 following Ablaza’s layup for 66-49 with 5:57 to go.
Pasig also banked on its outside shooting by draining 10 triples including four from Teng.
The Realtors also outrebounded the Bespren, 53-39.
John Paul Sarao and Rence Alcoriza finished with 14 and 12 points in a futile effort for Nueva Ecija.
Meanwhile, the other semis pairing pit Davao Occidental and San Juan set Friday night.