ZAMBOANGA advanced to the semifinals by eliminating Muntinlupa, 87-83, on Monday in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Joseph Nalos scored 19 and made 10 assists, while Ivan Villanueva came away with 18 points and 10 boards for the sixth-seeded Valientes against the third-ranked Cagers.
Zamboanga arranged a southern division semifinal showdown with Batangas, which defeated Imus, 92-65.
Following a steal, Zamboanga went to Von Lanete, who was fouled in the process. He split his charities to give his team an 85-83 lead.
The Cagers then turned to Chito Jaime, but the ex-PBA player missed a potential game-tying basket. They got another chance when Felix Apreku was able to get the rebound but committed a travelling violation.
Zamboanga held on to the ball and Robin Roño, who was fouled in the process, secured the team’s victory with two free throws.
Batangas, meanwhile, got 18 points from Jeff Viernes, while Lucas Tagarda came off the bench and produced 13 markers.
Jhaymo Eguilos had 12 points and nine rebounds while Mon Rogado added 10.
Adrian Santos grabbed 13 boards to go along with six markers.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
