Wednesday Group, Dreamchaser rule PBS Season 1

MANILA, Philippines – Makati-based teams Wednesday Group and Dreamchaser Basketball hacked out thrilling victories last Saturday to rule their respective divisions in the inaugural season of Premium Basketball Showcase at Kerry Sports in Shangri-La Fort.

Shooting guard Roy Cayanan came off the bench to scatter 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Wednesday overcame a gutsy stand from Goto Pilipinas, 79-77, to claim the Spartan Division crown.

Forward Jake Diwa and burly center JR Casulla also came up big for Wednesday, which stunned R. Lapid's, 74-73, in the semifinals of the division limited to recreational players whose last playing year in college is 2012.

Players and supporters of Wednesday Group celebrate their Spartan Division finals triumph.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair with Art Andres, Mac Pedroso and Mark Mercado spearheading the charge for Goto, but Wednesday's depth and firepower proved key down the stretch.

Cayanan was named Finals Most Valuable Player.

Earlier, center JM Agustin lifted Dreamchaser to a 66-62 triumph over erstwhile unbeaten Compadres-Wilmer in the 18-Under finals.

Agustin took charge with 19 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks to earn Finals MVP as Dreamchaser avenged its elimination round loss to Compadres in the tournament backed by PMT Clothing, Basketball TV and Nike Park.

Wednesday Group's Roy Cayanan goes for a layup against Allen Virtudazo of Goto Pilipinas.

Missing a slew of key players, Compadres, who went into the game on a six-game unbeaten run, lost steam in the final quarter as Agustin sparkled on both ends of the floor.

Dreamchaser Basketball team, the 18-Under champion, with PBS organizers Destine Javelona (left) and Jumel Chien (right).

PBS organizer Destine Javelona said the league will return on October 14 with the Specialist Division and the Champions Division, which aims to gather the winners of recreational leagues in Manila in one tournament.

The Specialist Division is open to teams whose players who don't have collegiate basketball varsity experience, added Javelona.