By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE PTI Typhoons ended the regular season of the 35-and-up division in the Masters Basketball League with a win downing the PTI Yankees, 83-78, last Wednesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym.
The Typhoons finished the regular season with a 2-4 record.
The Yankees had a 3-3 record tying Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense and the Old’Aces. But the Yankees get the top seeding in the playoffs, as they had the highest average among the three tied teams.
SIP placed second, while the Old’Aces settled for third.
The playoffs will start on Monday with the Yankees meeting the Typhoons in the first game at 7 p.m. and SIP colliding with the Ol’Aces in the second match at 8:30 p.m. A double-elimination format will be implemented in the playoffs.
Dado Vistal scored 21 points, including 18 from the 3-point area, to lead the Typhoons’ victory.
Ed Cosino chipped in 20 points, while Frank Palacios was the other double figure scorer for the Typhoons with 13.
With Vistal hitting two early 3-pointers and Cosino nailing seven points in the first quarter, the Typhoons took a 26-19 lead after 10 minutes of play.
The Yankees’ Ed Palma also had a good shooting night from the 3-point area. He drilled two triples in the second period and scored 10 of the Yankees’ last 14 points in that canto to move his team within two at halftime, 41-43.
Vistal , who fired only three points in the second quarter, hit two more triples in the third and Elmer Pineda drilled all his five points in that period to keep the Typhoons in the driver’s seat, 64-61.
The fourth quarter was another close fight with Cosino and Vistal making crucial baskets to lift the Typhoons to a five-point lead.
Meanwhile, the playoff round in the 45-and-up division starts tonight with the No. 2 LBT facing the Old’Aces in the first game at 7 p.m. The No. 3 Proa takes on the Dino Sores at 8 p.m.
The 45-and-up division will have a single-elimination format. Pennant champion the PTI Storms drew a bye in the first round, while Top 45 and NIC duel for a semis slot on Wednesday.
Scores:
Typhoons 83—Vistal 21, Cosino 20, Fr. Palacios 13, Fe. Palacios 8, Bicera 6, Pineda 5, Babauta 3. J. Palacios 1.
Yankees 78—Palma 25, Mendoza 17, Raho 10, Gabaldon 8, Berline 7, Villegas 5.
Quarterscores: 26-19, 43-41, 64-61, 83-78