THE top-seeded MJDL Titans barged into the semifinals while USC ‘86/Solarlink kept their season alive as they came up with exciting wins in the quarterfinals of the Cebu Customs Invitational Tournament 2013 at the Benedicto College gym in Mandaue City.
The Titans overhauled a 10-point deficit in the fourth period to stun the Global Rollway, 79-76, while Solarlink used overtime to beat the Bureau of Customs, 96-91, to forge a winner-take-all match for a seat in the semifinals.
The Titans were down, 60-70, but came roaring back into the game behind Nico Laborte, who scored 11 of his 19 points in the final canto, including the go-ahead three-pointer with just seconds remaining in the game. Tata Laborte led the squad with 21.
Meanwhile, Solarlink needed overtime to repulse the BoC after the latter sent the game to the extra session courtesy of Jeffrey Gacilos’ improbable double-clutch three pointer at the end of regulation to tie the game at 80-all.
Solarlink was hardly fazed as they zoomed right ahead in overtime with Arturo Mata and Neil Romarate sinking a three pointer each for a 91-84 lead.
The other quarterfinals match-ups have Group B top seed CIPU facing ALIN, and Philhealth going up against the Bureau of Internal Revenue. CIPU and Philhealth enjoy twice to beat advantages. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio