CEBU, Philippines - The Aegis Vipers, Stream Ingenyouity, and Teletech Titans drew first blood over their respective rivals in the best-of-three conference finals of the Sun Cellular-presented 8th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
Aegis met little resistance in its 53-37 demolition of the ePerformax Reds, while Stream and Teletech had to wade through rough waters before fending off separate foes.
Stream used a sizzling third quarter run to eke out a 48-45 victory over the Convergys Wolves, while Teletech banked on a strong opening statement to upend the Lexmark Stallions, 50-47.
Ryan Veloso had a double-double show of 15 points and 14 rebounds for Aegis. Clifford Amarado also had 15 points as they kept ePerformax at bay after jumping off to a 16-7 start. After taking a 28-21 halftime lead, Aegis launched a 16-6 rally to break the game open.
Stream, on the other hand, trailed by eight points at the bend, 19-27, but responded with a 17-7 spurt in the third canto to change the course of the match in its favor.
Benjie Mancao paced Stream with 14 points and six rebounds, while reigning MVP Sylvester Millevo banged 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and the same number of steals in a spectacular show of hardcourt versatility.
In the other game of a featured triple-header, Teletech overcame a third-quarter onslaught by Lexmark to escape with a three-point victory.
Sherwin Emmanuelle Resilla topscored for Teletech with 25 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
The scores
First game
Stream (48) - Mancao 14, Millevo 11, Bibera 8, Alquilos 5, Arroyo 3, Lucero 2, Castañeda 2, Recla 2, Cajuelan 1
Convergys (45) - Rivera 17, Loyola 7, Tapic 6, Mabanto 6, Villarin 5, Cleopas 2, De Leon 2
Second game
Teletech (50) - Resilla 25, Limpangog 10, Yulo 5, Anghay 4, Pardillo 4, Romulo 2
Lexmark (47) - Cipriano 20, Balansag 10, Pia 5, Ofonda 4, Lanzaderas 4, Villahermosa 4
Third game
Aegis (53) - Veloso 15, Amarado 15, Yballe 5, Bas 4, Arriesgado 3, Navaja 3, Pastoral 2, Chiu 2, Escalon 2, Gamallo 2
ePerformax (37) - MV Tan 9, Nebria 8, Singco 8, Baello 6, Arceo 4, Ruzi 2 (FREEMAN)