James Martinez and Paul Zamar combined forces as the Spirits erased a 58-65 deficit to post their fourth straight win in as many outings.
The Spirits can clinch the first semis berth with another win against dangerous Pharex B-Complex on Saturday.
Earlier, Patrick Cabahug hit a tough basket with 7.3 ticks left as Cobra Energy Drink ended a three-game winning run of Excelroof, 66-65, in the first game.
Cabahug’s last-gasp basket enabled him to redeem himself after committing a crucial error that saw Excelroof grab the lead, 65-64, with 41.2 ticks left.
"Hulog ng langit yung tira ni (Patrick) Cabahug but we'll take it," said coach Lawrence Chongson.
The Excelroof 25ers had one chance to turn the game around but Pamboy Raymundo missed a running shot before a battle for the loose ball led to a rebound by Allan Mangahas at the buzzer.
The win was the third for Cobra in four starts, thus tying its victim and idle Pharex B-Complex for second to fourth places.
A big letdown for Excelroof was NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino who was held to just 9 points on a horrible 4-of-17 shooting.
Martinez topscored for the Spirits with 18 points while Zamar added 14.
The Ironmen teetered on the brink of collapse after losing star guard Paul Lee to fouls with still six minutes left but they persevered to ward off to avoid another meltdown.
Cobra suffered a stinging 90-91 overtime loss to sister team Cossack Blue after leading most of the way last Sunday.
Still, Chongson rued the manner they closed out the game.
"Ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan is we got complacent in the last three minutes (of the game),” said Chongson.
“Mabuti na lang naging maganda ang effort nila banding huli.”
Games Saturday (The Arena in San Juan)
2 p.m. – Ani-FCA vs AddMix
4 p.m. – Pharex B-Complex vs Cossack Blue
Source: Jonas Terrado | Manila Bulletin
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