CEBU, Philippines - Durabend-Datu Lapu-Lapu and Savers Home Depot-Cebu/Sugbu elbowed out separate foes to set up a championship showdown in the United Architects’ Basketball Club (UABC) Season 4 billed as “Corporate Cup” at the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) gym.
Durabend of team director Alan G. Choachuy unleashed a furious third-quarter offensive to send Boysen-Rajah Jumabon cagers into a timely seaside driving, 65-52, while Savers Home Depot blew hot and cold in cruising though a 69-63 victory over Gyrpoc in the other knockout semifinal match.
Power-playing center Elmer Laguna bulldozed his way to a monster double-double finish of 22 points and 13 rebounds as he almost singlehandedly carry Durabend to the crucial victory.
Durabend was ahead by just four at halftime, 34-30, but Laguna and his comrades conspired in a blazing 22-7 rally that suddenly blew up their lead to an eye-popping 19 points, 56-37, heading into the final 10 minutes of the contest. The Boysen Paintmasters never recovered from there onwards.
John Sulay netted only nine points, but was also a key factor for Durabend adding up six rebounds and five assists, in the same way with Jonathan Suico with nine points and four rebounds.
Michael Cinco was the lone double-digit scorer for Boysen with 20 points on top of eight rebounds, two steals and one assists.
In the other game, Gonesto darted 21 points, five assists and two rebounds for Savers Home Depot, which trailed by two at the turn, 40-42.
But Savers Home Depot retaliated with a 22-15 bang in the third period to change the course of the match in its favor, 62-57.
UABC president Antonio “Jay-R” Decatoria, Jr. chipped in 16 points and a season-high 18 rebounds on top of three steals and two blocks in an amazing show of hardcourt force for Savers Home Depot. Rebosura also deserved special mention after tossing a dozen points and grabbing six rebounds.
Criz Matunog had 20 points, four assists and four steals for Gyrpoc. Jok-Jok Cabigas scattered 19 points, five assists, three steals and three rebounds, while Ian Osmeña posted 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals but their collective efforts went for naught as they have been relegated to the battle for third place against Boysen.
The scores
First game
Durabend (65) - Laguna 22, Suico 9, Sulay 9, Hisula 6, Lim 5, Ramodes 4, Concepcion 4, Bordador 2, Jugalbot 2, Dy 2
Boysen (52) - Cinco 20, Branzuela 8, Villacorta 5, Vidal 4, Badayos 4, Alberto 3, Ferrer 3, Partosa 3, Dabon 2
Quarterscores:15-14;34-30;56-37;65-52
Second game
Savers Home Depot (69) - Gonesto 21, Decatoria 16, Rebosura 12, Tan 8, Camello 5, Ong 5, Baladya 2
Gyproc (63) - Matunog 20, Cabigas 19, Osmeña 13, Sesbreño 6, Tiu 5
Quarterscores:22-15; 40-42; 62-57;69-63 (FREEMAN NEWS)