Correspondent

A NEARLY forgotten veteran helped engineer a critical first-half run and Toyota-Balintawak cruised to a 76-50 victory over Burger King in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball League Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.

Eugene Tan, the Roadkings’ battle-tested guard, scored eight points in a 12-2 burst that helped blow up their lead to 36-14 that all but settled Toyota’s victory.

Tan had two three-pointers in the middle of that burst, overall a 24-7 crippler from which the Whoppers never recovered.

“I discussed our advantages against Burger King and what was mentioned was championship experience during our practice yesterday,” said winning coach Ariel Vanguardia.

“In this team, I admit no one is more experienced and capable than Eugene. That’s why I talked to him and made mention that he will get his playing time for this game,” Vanguardia added.

The semifinal cast is now complete—Toyota takes on Cebuana Lhuillier-Pera Padala and Henkel Sista battles Harbour Centre tomorrow at The Arena in San Juan.

The physicality of Toyota’s game also greatly helped the Roadkings’ cause and helped turn what was expected to be a close contest into a rout.

There was even no need for Vanguardia to motivate his players. They were all fired-up even before the start of the game.

“Even before the start of the game, they were already fired up. Sabi kasi ni coach Lawrence [Chongson] kaya nila ang physical game namin,” said Vanguadia.

Floyd Dedicatoria, a standout for Vanguardia at Jose Rizal U, scored a team-high 14 points along with five rebounds.

Probound Marvin Cruz chipped in 14 points. Comebacking Joe Calvin Devance, the reigning Unity Cup Most Valuable Player, had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

JR Quiñahan led Burger King with 14 points to go with seven boards. Mike Bravo, who had 12 points, and Ronjay Buenafe (10) were the other twin-digit scorers.

The Whoppers, which beat the Roadkings, 73-68, in their initial meeting Tuesday, missed badly from the floor, making only 14-of-63 field-goal attempts.

The six-foot-five Quiñahan was hot in the first quarter where he accounted for eight of the team’s 12 points but he was benched for most of the time in the second quarter, thus allowing the Roadkings to pull away.

Getting frustrated by several noncalls, Quiñahan lost his focus and was hardly a factor the rest of the way.

Belgrade sortie for San Miguel-Team Pilipinas

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RP officials lobby for 24 events

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PUREFOODS Tender Juicy Hotdog might unveil the newest member of the Giants today in Romel Adducul when it faces Welcoat Paints in the Talk ‘N Text-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Center.

A NEARLY forgotten veteran helped engineer a critical first-half run and Toyota-Balintawak cruised to a 76-50 victory over Burger King in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball League Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.

Freddie Roach believes super-featherweight contender Humberto Soto poses a stiffer challenge for Manny Pacquiao than current world champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

THE 2007 Magic Millions National Sale opened up with a proverbial big bang last Wednesday at the huge Magic Millions horse complex in Gold Coast.