Accenture closes in on Elite Classic finals

CEBU, Philippines — The Accenture Sharks did not show any signs of rust after a six-week layoff as they blasted the Concentrix Converters, 71-57, in the opener of their best-of-three semifinal series in the Elite Classic of the Tanduay Athletics CCSC E-Leagues for Basketball Season 15 at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym last Saturday.

Accenture could practically wrap up the series if they score a repeat over the Converters in Game 2 on January 25.

If victorious, the Sharks will earn the right to challenge defending champion Sykes Pioneers in the Elite Classic finals, which is also a best-of-three affair.

The Sharks were dominant from the start, never looking back after taking an early 17-11 lead.

Accenture then dropped a 24-12 bomb in the second period to further rip the game apart at halftime, 41-23.

Clarence Torre showed the way for the Sharks with 12 points, while Junas Misa tallied 10 markers.

Misa added five rebounds, three assists and two steals to emerge as player of the game.Aldene Batino and Jeanne Perez also stepped up for Accenture’ with 17 combined points.

Ildefonso Bulangis led the Converters with 12 points, while Juan Sebial contributed 10 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and one steal in a losing effort.