Colveta, Vernel set up final duel in BERBA caging

CEBU, Philippines - Sitio Colveta lashed back at former tormentor Conor Express Freight Forwarders of team owners Olivia Paraguas and Elmer Hamis, 66-62, to advance into the finals of the Better-Run Basketball Association (BERBA) tournament at the Ma. Gochan Sports Complex in Brgy. Mambaling, this city.

 Conor was heading for another upset as it led in the first half, 36-34, behind the scoring tandem of Egang Tabalin and bull-strong center Dave Unabia.

However, Conor chilled off in the third period and crumbled under the rock-solid defense of Colveta. As a result, Colveta wrested the driver’s seat, 53-48, going into the final 10 minutes of the contest.

A see-saw battle ensued, but Colveta played cool under heavy fire to secure the hard-earned win.

Power forward Wala Vergara topscored for Colveta with 21 points, while diminutive pointguard Tikboy Tradio added 12 markers.

Earlier, the much-favored Vernel Aroma Therapy led by Danny Duran grabbed the first finals slot by dumping Left Over, 105-92.

Colveta and Vernel will clash in the sudden-death finale on Sunday.     

Cito Campos led Vernel with 25 points followed by Dodong Lopez with 16.

The scores

First game

Vernel (105) - Campos 25, Lopez 16, Arias 14, Villarta 12, Dimitiman 2, Martillan 2

Left Over (92) - Millior 18, Llamdao 14, Salasa 12, Fernandez 11, Cabreros 10, Manguinsay 7, F. Cañete 7, Calvo 6, V. Cañete 3, Valle 2, D. Cañete 2

Second game

Colveta (66) - Vergara 21, Tradio 12, Macion 9, Rentuma 6, Fernandez 6, Abrera 3, Zandry 3, Sega 2, Garcia 2, Paez 2

Conor (62) -  E. Tabalin 19, unabia 13, Ledesma 8, P. Tabalin 6, romeo 4, Suerte 4, Pumareja 3, Capacite 2, Albaño 2, Ocañada 1 (GGM)   (THE FREEMAN)