Hobe Bihon, Skyforce duel for DELeague crown

MANILA, Philippines - Hobe Bihon and Skyforce Team hacked out a pair of close victories to arrange a showdown for the second DELeague Open Invitational Basketball Cup crown at the Marikina Sports Park last Tuesday.

Hobe Bihon held off Hog’s Breath Café, 89-87, to sweep the single-round semis while Skyforce Team stunned defending champion Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, 116-111, in overtime to clinch the other finals berth with a 2-1 slate. 

By sweeping the three-game semis, Hobe Bihon will have a twice-to-beat edge over Skyforce Team in the finals slated  Saturday.

Jeff Sanders scored on a clutch jumper while Christian Jefferson made one free throw as Hobe held off the rallying Hog’s Breath at 88-84 en route to victory.

Michael Lima, who scored seven straight points to put Hog’s Breath within 84-85, hit another triple that made it 87-88 but Egay Baguion split his charities in the last 22 seconds to preserve the lead and the win for Hobe Bihon.

Hog’s Breath and Sta. Lucia dispute third place honors in the tournament put up by Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman and sponsored by PCA-Marivalley, OLOPS College, Jekasa Sportswear, Hobe Bihon, Mckie’s Video, Simply Delicious and LUYONG Panciteria.