Contenders Surangel Stars and Royal Cargo Rangers advance to the semifinals after beating respective rivals, Sunday in the quarterfinals of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) tips off at the Palau National gym.

Division A runner up Surangel Stars showed they meant business as they beat Division B champions Rams, 93-86. The Stars are looking for another chance to get into the finals seat.

The Stars opened the game with a 23-17 lead and then continued their advantage in the second quarter after posting a 22-20 run to close the first half with a 43-37 lead. From there, the Stars showed no turning back as they went all the way for the win.

Rex de Asis led the scoring chores for the Stars with 22 as teammates ZJ Asido and Bing Gayongorza chipped in 19 and 17 markers, respectively. Ronald Reyes and Ronnel Dato, on the other hand, topscored for the Rams with identical 21 baskets, in that order on the losing end.

Meanwhile, the Royal Cargo Rangers managed to halt the Aloha Maid Choppers, 84-77 to advance to the semis. The Rangers were dead shot from the floor as they outscored the Choppers in the second canto with a 27-17 run for a 42-38 lead.

From there, the Ranger continued their run as they went for the win and end the season for the Choppers. Nico Hinoza topscored for the Rangers with 26 while Mike Guevarra chipped in 16.

Arvin Pramo led the Choppers in scoring with 29 on the losing end.

In other games, Western Union drubbed Liquid Skyy Dragons, 128-97; and the Ilocandia Bulls won over Hanpa Cardinals, 109-87.

Games will resume on May 25 with the semifinals featuring the Ilocandia Bulls versus Royal Cargo Rangers at 1 p.m. while Surangel Stars will face Western Union in the main game at 3 p.m.

The Filipino Basketball League (FBL) is under the supervision of the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF). By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)