Eric United closed the defending champion Shohoku Backers 102-97, back to semifinals again after one season absence.
Perhaps now Eric has found something that been missed for sometime, the "Dominator"
Their new superstar, Cedomir Gusic scored 38pts and 19rebs to bring Eric United ending Shohoku Backers second title quest with strong second half production, finish the game with close margin 102-97. Eric survived their slow starts, allowing the Backers to convert shot after shot, most evident by Sebastian Darras 8/14 FG (3/7 3PT) for 23pts to lead Shohoku Backers by 4 points at halftime.
On 3rd quarter, Eric tighten up their defense and focusing on Darras, and they were able to take some comfortable lead on 4th quarter 92-86, before Darras heating up again to rally Shohoku within 3pts 96-99, but Eric's bigmen were able to put it away, as Jankelis Paliukenas and Sven Gruner hit some crucial baskets, all of them from close range. And Cedomir Gusic iced the victory with some FT.
Gruner scored 16pts and 18reb, Paliukenas has 14pts and 11reb. With their big lineup, Eric outrebounded Shohoku Backers 65-33.
Sebastian Darras led Shohoku with 31pts and Agislios Kostis with 23pts. Aniol Soler, still grimacing on his injury, only played 7 minutes with 3pts and 3 assists.
Meanwhile on Mahone arena, Fat Alexander survived strong rally from Cheesecake, who rallied from 16pts deficit until within two points 108-110. But the Cheesecake were run out of gas, as Felipe Massana missed a crucial shot on the paint, enable Zachary Kutkin to secure the win with two FT. Final score is 112-108.
Justin Linde-Liepins lead Cheesecake with 33points, Viktor Sramek 24pts. Felipe Masanna probably the difference maker and could be the hero had the Cheesecake took this game. He hit perfect 4/4 from 3point land, scored 19pts and 18rebs. He was the man that Cheesecake has missed all season long due to injuries.
MVP candidate Yeo Tse Hui led Fat-A with 26pts. Zach Kutkin and Gianpaolo Montecucco with 21pts.
Another two playoff matches, Pekanbaru Jaguars and Sessioes Doers don't have much trouble to advance to semifinals, as Pekanbaru Jaguars beat Shwe Toe Ngal 108-73 behind their 12/31 three point shooting. Duo Finlandia, Tommy Kupila and fellow Petrus Alexandersson scored 23 and 22 pts. Newly hired assasins, Zhong Xuanwen also scored 23.
Meanwhile Sessioes Doers defeated Singapore Showstoppers 118-108 behind a balanced attack from 7 players with at least 10pts. They led 60-39 at half and were able to rest their starters on 4th quarter. Although the Showstoppers able to mount back to 10pts, the time is not enough.
Xiong Jiayun led Showstoppers with 23pts, Noel Lima scored 17pts and 13reb. Roberto Paz led SD with 19, sit mostly on bench due to big lead on 4th.
On relegation game, Lycans easily dispatch Sing Ballers 108-37, and Esplanade Basketball won with a Walkout victory from Crystal Chambers Cavaliers.
With tonight result, Big 8 Eric United will face Sessioes Doers on semifinals, meanwhile the Great 8 rivalry will continue between Fat Alexanders against Pekanbaru Jaguars.