SWU-Phinma, Batang Mandaragat make CYBL semis

CEBU, Philippines — Southwestern University-PHINMA and Batang Mandaragat are on to the final four of the Under 18 division of the CYBL Summer League 2019 after overcoming their respective foes in the quarterfinals. The Baby Cobras outhustled SHS-Ateneo, 75-63, while Batang Mandaragat outsteadied Punta Princesa/Alas, 65-53, at the Sacred Heart School Mango Avenue campus.

SWU-PHINMA leaned on the three-point shooting of Dezeo Villanueva to pull away for good in the third period after a close first half. The Baby Cobras took a 18-13 at the end of the first period before the Magis Eagles slashed the lead to 33-32 at halftime.

SWU-PHINMA then went to its press to create turnovers and coupled with Villanueva’s three triples, created breathing room at 60-52, end of the third period. Kendall Limana led SWU-PHINMA with 16 points while Villanueva scored 13.

 The other game followed a similar script as the other game as Batang Mandaragat also leaned on a end-game push to deny Punta Alas’s comeback in the third period.

John Cacafranca led Batang Mandaragat with 15 points as James Llenes added 11. (FREEMAN)