By Ivan Saldajeno
BIÑAN—South Cotabato clinched the last spot in the MPBL national quarterfinals after surviving an endgame scare from Biñan for a 79-77 win in the last game of the playoff first round on Wednesday night at the jam-packed Alonte Sports Arena.
In the only game in Luzon that pushed through as scheduled amid the ravage of tropical storm Kristine, crucial free throws from Jervy Cruz clinched the decider for the Warriors as the Tatak Gel could not complete the comeback.
Down 61-69 with 7:10 left, Binan, with its "sixth men" behind them, rallied back and eventually took a 77-76 lead with 29.2 seconds remaining.
However, Cruz was fouled while securing the offensive rebound and hit two free throws with 16.1 seconds left to put South Cotabato up, 78-77.
Coach Boyet Fernandez drew a perfect play for Kenny Rocacurva as he got a good look for a layup off a drive from the baseline, but Rocacurva sorrily missed the open lay-in.
Marwin Dionisio kept the door open for the Tatak Gel to at least force overtime as he split his free throws, but with no timeouts left, the home side was forced to go for a tough three-point attempt that rimmed out at the final buzzer.
The Warriors will take on the Batangas City Rum Masters in the South Division semifinals beginning Monday night at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.
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