San Pedro rips Sta. Rosa dribblers

CABUYAO. Laguna — Big man John Abis went perfect from the field, hitting all his six attempts, and powered Data Force San Pedro to its fifth win in six games at the expense of Stone Fire Krah Asia-Sta. Rosa, 96-78, in the resumption of the Liga Laguna Season 3 at the Cabuyao Sports Club here Wednesday.

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta center tallied 13 points and provided the inside presence for San Pedro, which kept a hold of the solo lead in this tournament.

By staying on top, San Pedro boosted its twice-to-beat aspirations ahead of the playoffs.

The top two teams in the tournament will have a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinal round.

Six teams will advance to the playoffs with teams No. 3 and No. 6 and No .4 and No. 5 battling it out in the knockout quarterfinal stage.

Also winning was home team Cabuyao which outlasted defending champion San Pablo, 93-87, in the main game.

Nikko Aguilar sizzled for 28 points, including seven three-point shots, as he played the fireman's role for the Layba Trucking-backed Cabuyao.

Aguilar capped his all-around performance by dishing out seven assists and completing four steals as Cabuyao moved up to the solo second.

"We're motivated to face this team because we were not able to face them last season," added Aguilar, who drew solid support from Shin Manacsa.

Blue Steel Sab Pablo absorbed its third straight loss in the tournament.

Manacsa added 16 markers while Ronndel Turingan also had a solid game, tallying 14 points.

Sta. Cruz picked up from where it left off last year and notched its third straight victory over Pakil, 100-87, to stay in the hunt for a top-two berth.

The win allowed Sta. Cruz to forge a tie for third to fourth spots with Calamba at 4-2.