Unfortunately for the Red Lions, their slingshot that they hoped to use to topple a Goliath in Welcoat Paints suddenly snapped and so did their hopes of scoring a miracle win.

Though they controlled the game right from the tip-off, the Paint Masters still needed one big salvo to repulse the gutsy Red Lions squad, 85-69 and force a playoff for the second outright semis berth in the 2005 PBL Unity Cup yesterday at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

Negros’ desire to end a 10-game losing streak was there for everyone to see — they dove for every loose ball and rebounded furiously. But those were not enough as the Paint Masters exploited their height and heft advantage to the hilt to tame the Red Lions once again.

After a quiet comeback last Tuesday, Jojo Tangkay made his presence felt as he presided over the team’s bristling assault in the second quarter where they turned a slim 20-14 lead to a 38-14 advantage.

With the win, the Paint Masters finished the elims tied for second with Harbour Centre at 8-3, thus forging a playoff with the Port Masters for the second and last outright semis berth on Tuesday.

In the second game, defending champion Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream, drawing another fine performance from Fil-am Kelly Williams, streaked to its third straight win – its longest in the season-ending tournament – by downing Toyota Otis-Letran, 68-59.

Magnolia’s win likewise earned the Wizards a playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with the Knights. Both teams finished the elims with 6-5 records. The first twice-to-beat incentive is already reserved to the loser in the playoff between Harbour-Welcoat.

Montaña Pawnshop has already secured the first automatic semis slot after topping the elims, which it capped by beating Harbour Centre last Thursday, 73-63.

The Jewels wound up with a 9-2 win-loss record.

With their loss — their 11th straight — the Red Lions became the first team in years to finish the elims without posting a single win.