MPBL: Basilan upends Mindoro, sets semis date with Pasig

Encho Serrano fired 22 points to lead the Steel. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Basilan clinched the second spot in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational semifinals after taking down Mindoro, 77-72, in the knockout quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Steel surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring the Tamaraws, 26-17, to open a 62-48 cushion entering the fourth.

Mindoro crawled back in the fourth and came to within five, 69-74, with 1:36 remaining, but a huge three-pointer from Philip Manalang sealed the win for Basilan.

Encho Serrano fired 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Steel, who will now face the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors in the semifinals on Wednesday night.

Jay Collado added 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

Nathaniel Cosejo put up 22 markers on 10-of-14 shooting, 11 boards, one dime, and three blocks for the Tamaraws.

The Scores:

Basilan-Jumbo Medical 77 - Serrano 22, Collado 13, Juico 12, Gimpayan 7, Uyloan 6, Taganas 6, Reyes 4, Manalang 3, Siruma 2, Bringas 2, Gabo 0, Bondoc 0.

Mindoro-EOG Burlington 72 - Cosejo 22, Cabanag 16, Mallari 8, Liwag 7, Koga 6, Baetiong 4, Caldozo 4, Villapando 3, Matias 2, Saldana 0.

Quarterscores: 17-16, 36-31, 62-48, 77-72.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno