PBL: Whoppers, Medics end elims with victories

MANILA, Philippines - The Burger King Whoppers defeated the Pharex Medics, 69-65, while Hapee Toothpaste Complete Protectors downed the Harbour Centre Batang Pier, 86-75, in Thursday's elimination-ending matches at the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Gov. Ayong Maliksi Gym in Trece Martires, Cavite. The Whoppers banked on Khiel Misa in reasserting themselves on the Medics and earning their ninth win in 15 matches that is good for third place, according to a PBL statement. The victory assured the Whoppers of a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. and the opportunity to choose their opponents in the next round. The Whoppers, given the opportunity to choose, picked the Medics as their opponents in the quarterfinals, which will start on Monday in Tanauan, Batangas. Because of their defeat, the Medics tied the San Mig Coffee Kings and Toyota Otis Sparks, both of them with 7-8 cards. But because of their superior quotient, the Coffee Kings also a twice-to-beat advantage when they meet the Sparks. Coach Junel Baculi mentored the Sparks, who absorbed their second defeat in the elimination. In the other game, Hapee Toothpaste capitalized on the absence of Harbour Centre's coach George Gallent as they entered the next round with a victory. "This is a good win for us," Hapee coach Louie Alas said. "It is a morale booster going into the next round." - GMANews.TV