South Cotabato squeaked past Biñan Tatak Gel, 79-77, to clinch the last semifinal slot in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alone Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The Warriors got a big lift from Jervy Cruz, who canned two free throws, and Marwin Dionisio, who split his two charities, in the dying seconds that ended their South Division quarterfinal series at 2-1.

Biñan's Kenny Roger Rocacurva earlier flubbed a layup, while teammate Carlo Lastimosa missed a potential game-reversing three at the buzzer. They could have at least tied the game had Marc Pingris made all of his four charities, instead of just two, when they moved ahead, 75-74.

South Cotabato rallied to nip Biñan, 85-82, in Game 1, before losing in Game 2, 70-69, to forge a decider.

The victory arranged South Cotabato a South semis tussle with the Batangas City Tanduay Rum on Monday, Oct. 28.

Mark Cruz struck for the Warriors with 13 points, 10 assists and five rebounds to earn while Jervy chipped in 18 points. Larry Rodriguez had 12 points and three boards.

Lastimosa posted a game-high 27 points and nine rebounds, while Rocacurva and Pjngris added 16 and 12 points in a losing effort for Biñan.

Val Acuna canned two charities with 4 seconds left to lift South Cotabato to a 66-60 lead after three quarters.

The Warriors shrugged off a flat start, 0-9, to lead at the break, 45-42, through the efforts of Larry Rodriguez, Jervy Cruz and Mark Cruz. 

Rodriguez scored 12 points while the Cruzes added 9 points each to negate Carlo Lastimosa's 14 points and Kenny Roger Rocacurva's 10 in that span.

MPBL founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao watched the game with wife Jinkee to the delight of the packed crowd.

The MPBL playoffs continue on Saturday, Oct. 26, with the North Division semifinal openers pitting Nueva Ecija against defending champion Pampanga at 6 p.m. and Caloocan against San Juan at 8 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.