Surprise contender MJ Rangers and defending champion FR Spoilers improved their standings after beating separate foes, Sunday in the ongoing semifinal round of the 2012 Filipino Basketball League (FBL) at the Palau National gym.

After taking a 25-9 lead in the opening quarter, MJ Rangers never looked back as they secured their second win in the round at the expense of Surangel and Sons, 83-71. Pesky play maker Nico Hinoza finished the game with 24 points as teammate Sonny Jacinto chipped in 20 as they now sport a 2-1 win-loss tally in the semis round and brightens their chance of entering the finals.

High flying Arnold Undecimo topscored for Surangel and Sons with 20 but was not enough to fuel a comeback as they remain winless in the semis with a 0-3 count.

On the other hand, defending champion FR Spoilers sealed their return to the finals with their 105-71 victory over Western Union. Michael Bombita led the scoring chores for FR Spoilers with 21 as Aries Echanova and Marvic Ngchar added 16 as they will move into the finals with a 3-0 tally.

Western Union’s rookie Nino Cajegas paced his team with 25 as Dennis Castro added 19 markers.

Games will resume on October 28 with Western Union taking on Surangel and Sons for the consolation game at 1 p.m. while FR Spoilers will face MJ Rangers in Game One of their best of three championship series at 2:20 p.m. By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)