Pasig-Sta. Lucia secures last semis berth in FilBasket

Pasig-Sta. Lucia outplayed Nueva Ecija, 79-66, to book the last semifinal berth in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym Thursday night.
Cedrick Ablaza erupted for 14 and 12 rebounds while Justin Arana blasted 13 points and 11 boards for the Realtors, who followed up their 99-79 victory in their first playoff meeting last Tuesday.
It also avenged Pasig-Sta. Lucia’s 70-68 eliminations loss to Nueva Ecija last Oct. 30.
Nueva Ecija entered the quarters phase with a twice-to-beat incentive but failed to capitalize on this advantage.
The Realtors imposed their assault with a 22-11 start and led by as many as 17 points, 66-49, following Ablaza’s layup with 5:57 to go.
Pasig also banked on its outside shooting by draining 10 triples including four from Teng.
The Realtors also outrebounded the Bespren, 53-39.
John Paul Sarao and Rence Alcoriza finished with 14 and 12 points in a futile effort for Nueva Ecija.
Meanwhile, the other semis pairing pit Davao Occidental and San Juan set Friday night.