Pepsi Max returns to finals vs. Lola Tikya in USC caging

Pepsi Max, formerly known as Mirinda Orange, returned to the finals after it scored a stunning 63-60 upset over Group A leader and title favorite AC Sports in the crossover semifinals of the USC-BED SC PTA basketball tournament at the USC South Campus covered court yesterday.

In the opener, Group B leader Lola Tikya slammed Team Kawsa, 79-62, to earn the right to play against Pepsi Max in the finals on February 19 when the USC PTA celebrates its Family Day.

The AC Sports and Kawsa, the top two finishers in Group A after the eliminations, will battle for third place.

The trophies for this fourth edition of the PTA caging organized by board member Cesar Ortega, is donated by sports patron Lito S. Gillamac, Jr. of Sirlitz Electronics and co-owner of Tribu Sugbu.

Lola Tikya used its experience in neutralizing the speed and quickness of the younger Kawsa quintet.

Tioy Lim topscored for Lola Tikya with 20 points while his brother Dave added 15 points. Bullish guard Jimbo Noel and Aristotle Jayme had 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Later, Titing dela Torre collected 17 points including the winning three-point play to lift the struggling Pepsi Max back to the finals.

Paul Maninang chipped in 11 points and Mario Naron had seven points for Pepsi Max. Jake Cortes led AC Sports with 16 points while Ortega was limited to just 10 points after averaging 20 points in the eliminations.

The scores
First Game
Lola Tikya (79) - T. Lim 20, D. Lim 15, Noel 13, Jayme 12, Tañan 8, Yu 4, Monsanto 4, Burdeos 2, Auza 2, Lim 1
Kawsa (62) - Madolin 22, Narca 11, Pedida 9, Maramba 6, Gabales 6, Seno 4, Lipardo 1

Second Game
Pepsi Max (63) - Dela Torre 17, Maninang 11, Adarna 8, Naron 7, Villar 6, Ramirez 5, Camacho 4, Lopez 2
AC Sports (60) - Cortes 16, Ortega 10, Omaña 8, Diaz 5, Alforque 5, Carampel 2, Quijano 2, Elizondo 2