Aegis sweeps Lexmark to win 9th CSCC E-League title

CEBU, Philippines - The Aegis Vipers swept the Lexmark Stallions in their best-of-three finals series anchored on an emphatic 75-64 victory in Game 2 to clinch the championship of the 9th CSCC E-League for Basketball last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

For his consistent play, Ryan Veloso romped off with the Finals MVP trophy, while their chief bench tactician Lou Regidor, a former commercial star who had a brief stint with the pro league, was the hands-down choice as "Coach of the Year".

Veloso dished out a solid double-double show of 18 points and 11 rebounds he laced with four assists and three blocks.

Dean Junber Escalon charted 20 points and four rebounds, while Rodulfo Enterina III was equally-impressive in churning out 15 points, seven rebounds, five rebounds and as many steals for Aegis, which rode on a steady final-half showing to finish off Lexmark.

Aegis raced to a 20-14 start, but Lexmark fired back with savvy in the second canto to forge a 31-all standoff at halftime.

That was the best Lexmark could muster though as Aegis took control in the third period, then closed the match with a 26-19 bang for the 11-point jugular.

Franco Angelo Cipriano tried to carry Lexmark on his shoulders but fell short in the end despite finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals.

Jake Pia added 13 points, two rebounds and as many assists and steals, while Niel Tiempo had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists but their efforts went in vain for Lexmark.

The scores

Aegis (75) - Escalon 20, Veloso 18, Enterina 15, S.W. Navaja 6, Nayon 4, Bas 4, Armamento 2, K.C. Navaja2, J.L. Navaja 2, Palasuelo 2

Lexmark (64) - Cipriano 19, Pia 13, Tiempo 10, Villahermosa 9, Martinez 6, Duero 5, Talan 2 (FREEMAN)