Converters rout Reds, Dragons spoil Cobras’ E-League debut

CEBU, Philippines - The Convergys Converters served early notice of their serious title defense after an 87-72 shellacking of the ePerformax Reds in the Elite Classic of the 12th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Sherwin Emmanuelle Resilla had 19 points on top of eight rebounds and two assists, even as three others cashed in double figures for the Converters, who rode on a furious third-quarter explosion to blow the Reds out.

The Converters suffered an offensive meltdown after taking an ealy 19-8 lead, along the Reds to pull within just a hairline at halftime, 37-38, but shot back to life in the third where they dropped a 35-16 bomb to rip the game apart for good, 73-53.

It was cruise control for the Converters from thereon as the Reds could not trim the deficit down even just to a single digit.

Brothers Franz and Kenneth Dysam connived for 32 points, eight rebounds, eight steals and four assists for the Converters, who also drew 13 points, two rebounds and two assists from  Aldene Jay Batino.

Esrom Cuizon paced the Reds with 25 points while Robert Gilo had 19 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort.

In the Evo League, the Supportsave Dragons spoiled the debut of the United Health Group Cobras but not without going through a tough challenge before eking out a 61-58 win.

The Cobras actually led by six at the bend, 32-26, but the Dragons laid out a steady final-half showing to wrap up the match in their favor.

Niño Belande led the Dragons with 20 points and 12 rebounds followed by Germaine Jo Guarisma with 13 markers.

Joseph Juariza topscored with 20 points and Joselito Ruiz nailed 13 markers laced with seven rebounds for the Cobras, who nevertheless made their presence felt in the league although in a losing start. EBV (FREEMAN)