When the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup started last Feb. 16, Pharex B-Complex wasn't considered as one of the teams to beat.

But after a surprising finish in the elims where they strung up five straight wins, the Fighting Maroons earned raves from almost everybody.

That was boosted Saturday when they secured the first finals berth after beating Cossack Blue, 96-83.

Hopefully by next week, they could complete their magical run.

“We’re truly blessed, we hope can sustain this run and celebrate a week from now," said coach Aboy Castro.

Castro paid tribute to the extra effort dished out by the 6-foot-4 Vic Manuel and former Far Eastern University star Marlon Adolfo.

Manuel, the biggest revelation of the tournament, continued his dazzling performance with 27 points and 12 rebounds in just 26 minutes off the bench. His 27-point performance enabled him to tie his best effort which he registered against sister team Ascof Lagundi two weeks ago.

Actually, Manuel did not start well, he was held to just 6 points in the first two quarters. But he caught fire in the third where he erupted for 11 points, including three straight baskets.

Adolfo also played a pivotal role for the team hitting 18 of his 21 points in the final 20 minutes while former RP Youth standout and current University of the Philippines cager Mark Lopez drained seven of his 11 points in the payoff period to put the Spirits at bay.

"Same old story. Vic (Manuel) continues to play well for us but like I said before it's not just a Vic Manuel show, it's really a team effort," Castro said.

Their impressive show was a stark contrast to the UP team Castro handled, winning just six games in the UAAP since arriving in 2008.

The Fighting Maroons are waiting the winner of the other semifinal pairing between the Cobra Energy Drink Ironmen and the Excelroof 25ers. The 25ers forced a rubber match after a hard-fought 89-81 victory.

"If we continue to play with the same defensive intensity and just come out with a lot of heart and energy, then we should find ourselves celebrating (the championship) a week from now," Castro said.