Winning 89-70, the Ferreras never gave a chance, especially for a semifinals seat. Their progress escalated from the first quarter, led by Jhun Abedes and James Abuy. Kae Bernardo and Gil Miranda stood in the sidelines, waiting for a shot at the basket. Abedes popped a couple layups before handing Abuy the ball.
Adjusting to the game, Pacific Grocers’ Jeff Pagarao was left with only two points in the first quarter.
Abuy’s steady aim earned seven more points for the Ferreras, who jumped six points ahead. Andy Mortos and Noel David helped him in the rebounds while Bernardo waited for the ball.
The Grocers’ defense nearly crumbled in the second half while Abuy continued his onslaught. Gaining momentum, Bernardo dominated the court along with David.
Even with Eugene Mangali helping out, the Grocers couldn’t catch up in the scores. Grocers’ lead scorer Joel Javier piled 11 points before scoring six more in the final quarter. Still pumped up, Abedes ended the night with a three-pointer. Bernardo was finally in control as he cruised his way past Mangali and Ernie Moises.
21 points from Abuy and 20 from Bernardo was more than enough to put their team ahead. Abedes finished the game with 13 points, while David scored 12.
The semifinals will be played in a round-robin format between teams IT&E, Wings Travel, Docomo Pacific, and Ferrera. The first group to mark two wins will immediately earn a spot in the finals.
Scores:
Ferrera Builders 89 – J. Abuy 21, K. Bernardo 20, J. Abedes 13, N. David 12, G. Miranda 9, A. Mortos 8, L. Abuel 4, P. Rasa 2
Pacific Grocers 70 – J. Javier 17, E. Mangali 16, J. Pagarao 15, E. Moises 9, J. Tudela 6, L. Apelo 3, C. Lansang 2, S. Tuwon 2
Quarterscores: 18-13, 42-33, 63-54, 89-70
