Let the semifinals begin.
3W Builders, Gangster, DECA 8990, and Goto Pilipinas will get a crack at the finals berth in the 2016-2017 Next5Hoops Metro Manila Championship after topping their respective groups in the elimination round.
The four teams meet in a crossover semifinal on Saturday at Phenom Sports Center in Makati, with a chance to fly to Boracay with the whole team for the overall champion.
3W Builders had a perfect run en route to the semifinals after toppling down Gangster and PMT.
The champion of the 2nd South Leg Qualifier escaped Gangster, 115-109, behind Jepoy Vito Cruz’ 35 points last December 12.
3W Builders also slipped past PMT, 96-91, behind a solid team effort.
Gangster, 2nd Central Leg Qualifier Champion, wound up at 1-1 after the Group 1 round robin after frustrating PMT, 124-119, last December 11. Esteban and Mendorio had 22 points each in that win.
In the other group, DECA 8990 emerged as the top team with a 2-0 record.
The 1st South Leg Qualifier Champion blew past J&J, 100-89, but won by the skin of its teeth over Goto Pilipinas.
DECA 8990 survived Goto Pilipinas’ last ditch rally 101-100, with Orias and Madera leading the way.
Goto Pilipinas, a wildcard entry in the quarterfinals of the tournament organized by ONE Unite Sports, secured its slot after a 135-93 demolition of J&J for a 1-1 card.
J&J, 1st Central Leg Champion, and PMT, the 1st North Leg titlist, both exited the tournament after a winless playoff run.
