Joeten, MBI/Anchor complete semis cast

Joeten’s Syl Teregeyo, center, glides for a layup against CUC’s Garry Serrano during the third quarter of their playoff game in the JP world caging last Friday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Joeten whipped Commonwealth Utilities Corp. in the first game, 88-62, while MBI/Anchor dominated McDonald’s in the second match, 88-64, to join early semifinalists Shirley’s Coffee Shop and Public School System to the Final Four.

Alex Lauron teamed up with Kevin De Leon, Syl Teregeyo, and Ferdie Tobias on powering Joeten to an easy win that allowed the team to arrange a semis date with the top-seeded Shirley’s tonight at 8pm. All four players broke in double figures with Lauron leading the way, scoring 17 points. De Leon added 13, while Teregeyo and Tobias chipped in 12 and 10, respectively. The Joeten bench also contributed on offense, as their second stringers were given enough playing time with the team comfortable ahead at the end of the third, 63-43, and just traded baskets with CUC in the uneventful final frame.

Joeten set up the lopsided victory, as it got off to a good start, leading at 23-10. Lauron and Tobias led Joeten’s early attack, as they combined for 12 points. Teregeyo, De Leon, and Dixon Kwon, who came off the bench, provided the needed help in the ensuing quarter to eliminate CUC.

James Benavente top-scored for CUC with his 20 points, while Alain Nunez and Frank Mizutani also had double figures in their last game this season, registering 15 and 11, respectively.

In the second game, MBI/Anchor made sure McDonald’s also played its final match in the season after cruising to the 14-point victory.

McDonald’s failed to soldier on, as it managed to keep up with the younger and faster MBI/Anchor crew only in the opening minutes of the first period. When Ivan Devero and Angelo Fernando decided to push up the tempo of the game, McDonald’s was left lagging behind.

With MBI/Anchor speeding things up, it turned a 15-23 first quarter lead to a 50-33 halftime advantage and McDonald’s never made enough headway in the second half to have a chance for an upset.

Devero paced MBI/Anchor with his 25 points, while Fernando posted 14. Pete Lizama added 11, while White Capalad also finished in twin digits with 10. Joseph Achas had 17 points to lead McDonald’s scoring.

Meanwhile, Devero and company collide with PSS in the first semis match tonight at 6:30pm. PSS gained an outright semis seat after placing second in the team standings with its 6-2 record and beating Joeten in the tiebreak. Shirley’ took the other automatic semis berth after sweeping the regular season.

First Game
Joeten 88 – Lauron 17, De Leon 13, Teregeyo 12, Tobias 10, Kwon 9, Sambile 6, Alfonso 4, Tudela 4, Borja 3, Jacob 2.

CUC 62 – Benavente 20, Nunez 15, Mizutani 11, Poquiz 6, Masga 6.

Scoring by quarters: 23-10, 44-28, 62-43, 88-62.

Second Game
MBI/Anchor 88 – Devero 25, Fernando 14, Lizama 11, Capalad 10, Trajano 8, Zapanta 7, Garcia 2, Viola 2, Pineda 2.

McDonald’s 64 – J. Achas 17, Mi. Achas 14, Gapor 10, Mc. Achas 7, Deleon Guerrero 6, Cruz 5.

Scoring by quarters: 23-15, 50-33, 66-48, 88-64.