Vipers forge rubber against Blue Devils

CEBU, Philippines – The Teleperformance Vipers (formerly Aegis) yesterday lashed back at Convergys 2 in style, crushing the Blue Devils by 20 points in Game 2, 65-45, to forge a rubbermatch in their best-of-three finals series for the 10th CSCC E-League men's basketball championship at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Unlike in their 60-62 loss in the opener last Saturday, the Vipers were so decisive and dominant this time, gamely recovering from a slow start on the way to hand the fancied Blue Devils their worst defeat this season, so far.

Trailing by four after the first 10 minutes of play, 11-15, the Vipers changed the course of the match in their favor using a 20-12 blitz in the second period.

Pumped up by a 31-27 lead at halftime, the Vipers further bombed the Blue Devils in the third period, 19-9, for a comfortable 50-36 advantage heading into the final 10-minute zone of the contest.

The Vipers completed their one-sided demolition of the Blue Devils with a 15-9 run in the windup.

Dean Junber Escalon had 14 points, four rebounds and two steals, while  Ryan Veloso pitched in a dozen markers laced with six rebounds, two blocks and as many assists for the Vipers, who will meet again the Blue Devils in a sudden-death duel at 1 p.m. on November 15 for the coveted 2014 E-League crown.

Clifford Amarado was the lone Convergys 2 player to hit double figures with 13 points, three steals and two rebounds. Sherwin Resilla, the hero during their Game 1 victory, was the missing link for the Blue Devils after being held off to only four points. — EBV) (FREEMAN)