MANILA, Philippines -- Nougat completed the semifinals cast of the 2014 Danny Espiritu Cup Basketball tournament after an 86-78 victory over Supreme Pipe-Uratex last July 27 at the Makati Coliseum.

After three straight losses, Nougat finally got its act together and leaned on the efforts of Jerald Bautista, Rene Boy Banzali, and Jan Colina to salvage the remaining final four seed in the tournament organized by One Unite Sports.

Bautista logged in his season-best effort with 21 points, going 8-of-8 from the stripe, for Nougat, who led Supreme Pipe-Uratex from start to finish.

Banzali added 13 for Nougat while Colina, who just joined the squad, chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Jack Corpuz and Reyl Vasquez finished with 19 points each in a losing effort for Supreme Pipe-Uratex.

Both Supreme Pipe-Uratex and Nougat wound up with identical 2-3 records after a brief elimination round, but Nougat advanced by virtue of win-over-the-other rule.

It was a sorry exit for Supreme Pipe-Uratex, which dealt Skyforce its first loss, 103-74, last July 24.

Skyforce, bannered by PBA Developmental League players like Jeff Viernes and Mac Montilla, nonetheless advanced to the semifinals and will face Nougat in a knockout match.

Racal Motors and Gerry’s Grill, meanwhile, will square off in the other semis meeting.

Skyforce, the lone holdover from last year’s pool, failed to nab the championship after losing to MOB in the finals last season.