By Jerome Lagunzad
Former tournament titleholders showcased their championship pedigree over their respective semifinal rivals last Wednesday to set up a blockbuster finals showdown for the 6th PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup crown.
NCAA powerhouse San Beda held off UAAP counterpart National University’s late figthback, 78-76, while Chiang Kai Shek College outclassed University of Visayas, 91-60, to book their return trips to the winner-take-all finals affair at the SGS Stadium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
Evan Nelle did a little bit of everything with 15 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds to keep the Red Cubs on track of duplicating the feat they achieved in the 2014 edition of the tourney supported by Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater, Freego Jeans, Poly Gloss,’ Rain or Shine, Che Lu Bar & Grill and MEC Computers.
Germy Mahinay added 14 points and nine rebounds while five other teammates scored at least seven points each for San Beda, which led by as many as 18 at the end of the third but flirted with disaster in the face of NU’s audacious fightback.
“Our guys have been in that situation before and I’m just pleased that they were able to do what they’re supposed to be: stay steady and composed,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.
Also making it back to the finals of the tourney which dangles P50,000 in cash plus a trophy and has Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear as league chairman were the Blue Dragons, who pierced the Baby Lancers’ cloak of invincibility with ease.
John Galinato sustained his fiery form with 19 points while Jason Celis fired away 18 points off the bench for the Blue Dragons, the 2015 titlists who raced to a 36-16 lead after the opening period and showed no mercy for the erstwhile undefeated Baby Lancers.
Terrence Fortea led all scorers with 22 points for NU, which will take on UV, the reigning CESAFI titlist, in the Battle for Third of the tourney backed by Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing, Sumo GI Sheets, Molten and Masumax Food Supplement.
First Game
San Beda 78 – Nelle 15, Mahinay 14, Etrata 9, Talampas 9, Alfaro 7, Nayve 7, Dela Rosa 7, Abu Hijleh 5, Lagumen 5, Tagala 0.
NU 76 – Fortea 22, Gonzales 14, Amsali 12, Minerva 6, Coyoca 5, Malonzo 4, Puray 3, Manalang 3, Javillonar 3, Oczon 2, Felicida 1, Dayrit 1, Pradella 0, Pangilinan 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 44-28, 59-41, 78-76.
Second Game
CKSC 91 – Galinato 19, Celis 18, Luciano 11, Beltran 8, Antiporda 6, Lim 5, Bainez 5, Asuncion 4, Agbong 4, Ramirez 4, Dordas 2, Urmeneta 2, Tolentino 2, Flores 1.
UV 60 – Maata 13, Omandac 10, Laurente 8, Amistoso 7, Maglasang 6, Paraldo 4, Jelliangao 3, Cabahug 3, Rosete 2, Yerro 2, Cometa 2, Brillo 0. Tubaon 0, Tano 0.
Quarters: 36-16, 53-33, 75-47, 91-60.