CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebuana Lhuillier-RP Team member Wilbert Sayson sank a crucial triple to help the CSD Builders turn back the Ave Maria Sanctuary Park-sponsored USJ-R Jaguars Team B, 88-83, and advance into the finals of the Buanoy Invitational Open basketball tournament in Balamban.
The Builders of coach Boby Cal and the Jaguars engaged in a see-saw battle for more than three quarters until Sayson dropped the go-ahead triple that gave CSD the lead for good.
Jared Kane Abatayo had a breakout game as aside from making Edmar Pateño's job as Jaguars' pointguard miserable, he also led the Builders with 21 points.
Aldrin Ocañada and Jerry Jaca chipped in 17 and 15 markers, respectively, for the Builders.
Kurt Amores spearheaded the Jaguars' offense with 20 points, while Jose Ricardo Llera added 13. Edwin Bibera tossed in 11 points in a losing cause.
The Builders now await the winner of the other semifinal game between the USJ-R Team A and Mandaue Cyclone.
The best-of-three finals will be played on April 13 to 15.
Meanwhile, CSD team consultant Romy Cal said the Builders will also see action in the Rudy Espinosa Cup in Toledo City on April 15 and the Mayor Edsel Galeos Cup in Argao on April 18.
The scores
CSD Builders (88) - Abatayo 21, Ocañada 17, Jaca 15, Sayson 9, Nailon 7, Redulosa 4, Sereño 4, Montalbo 3, Arnado 3, Mangyao 2, Maspiñas 2, De los Santos 2
Ave Maria/USJ-R (83) - Amores 20, Llera 13, Bibera 11, Duran 8, Pateño 8, Dela Peña 7, Suliman 6, Villaver 5, Alquizola 3, Senining 2 Halftime: 40-47. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)