Concentrix, Dreamscape forge KO matches; Kyocera, Optum into semis

CEBU, Philippines — The Concentrix Converters and the Dreamscape Lions stunned their twice-to-beat rivals to live and fight for another day while the Kyocera Frontiers and the Optum Knights motored to the semifinal round without any problems in the Tanduay Athletics CSCC E-Leagues for Basketball Season 15 over the weekend at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

With their backs against wall, the Converters and the Lions gamely rose to the challenge, outlasting the Teleperformance Vipers, 69-62, and the Fusion BPO Services Dragons, 81-73, respectively, to forge a pair of knockout matches in the Elite Classic quarterfinal playoffs next week.

Jaime Pacquiao Jr., Ildefonso Bulangis and Mark Bacho connived for 38 points to help extend the season of the Converters for at least a game.

Fighting with great resolve, the Converters were in firm control of the match after posting a 50-37 advantage after three quarters.

On the other hand, the Lions gained a lifeline behind the all-around hardcourt brilliance of Matthew Oche and Ralph Belarmino. Oche came through with 18 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, while Belarmino cashed in 16 points, 11 boards, six steals and five assists.

In the EVO League, Kyocera and Optum knocked out their respective foes to barge into the last round of four.

The Frontiers sent the Dyninno Jets crashing, 61-54, while the Knights booted out the Fluor Pandas, 61-55.

Matthew Grafilo paced Kyocera with 19 points. He was ably backed up by Junrey Cabarrubias and Ariel Edera with 15 and 11 markers, respectively.

Nicole Sultan, meanwhile, showed the way for the Knights with 13 points followed by Nicolle Bajarias with 10 points.