FLYING V overcame a flat start to beat AMA Online Education, 114-91, on Monday to stay unbeaten and clinch a semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Eric Salamat had 33 points, going 7 for 11 from three-point range, while Jeron Teng had a triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists for the Thunder, who recovered after trailing 2-18.
The Thunder's outside shooting got them back in the game, improving their record to 8-0 to become the first team to clinch an automatic semifinals berth.
The top two two squads at the end of the elimination round advance outright to the round of four.
"We are happy that kami 'yung unang nakapasok sa semis," said Flying V coach Eric Altamirano.
"Although first half, medyo shaky kami. We were so relaxed and we were overlooked our opponent. Medyo complacent."
"Good thing we were able to get back our game in the third period," said Altamirano.
The Thunder got to within two after the second quarter and outscored AMA, 41-20, in the third period to take control. They converted 16 triples in the second half after only hitting four in the first two quarters.
Jerick Canada had 15 points, making 5 of 8 shots from three-point range, while Gab Banal had 14 points, 3-of-5 from long distance for Flying V, which will play non-bearing games against Zark's on July 25 and Batangas on August 1.
Daniel Salonga had 20 points for AMA including 18 in the first half to lead the Titans.
Embons Bonleon added 16 points, while Andre Paras had another double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds with four blocks for the Titans, who fell to 1-7, joining Gamboa Coffee and Zark's at the bottom of the standings.
The scores:
Flying V 114 — Salamat 33, Teng 21, Canada 15, Banal 14, Torres 9, Thiele 7, Dionisio 6, Tampus 4, Austria 3, Colina 2, Gamboa 0, Mendoza 0, Paredes 0, Webb 0.
AMA 91 — Salonga 20, Bonleon 16, Paras 14, Calma 13, Celso 9, Flores 7, Jordan 4, Carpio 3, Macaranas 3, Tobias 2, Alas 0, Asuncion 0, Malones 0.
Quarterscores: 18-27; 43-45; 84-65; 114-91.