Supportsave vs Tech Mahindra in Evo finals; Convergys, Lexmark stay alive

CEBU, Philippines - The Supportsave Dragons and Tech Mahindra Tech Mighties completed a two-game sweep of their respective rivals to set up a title showdown in the Evo League, while the defending champion Convergys Converters and Lexmark Stallions lived and fight for another day in the Elite Classic of the 12th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Kevin Penida topscored with 13 points, Niño Belande banged in 10 points on top of 15 rebounds, seven assists and six steals as the Dragons terminated the Dynnino Raptors, 71-61, while EJ Saavedra and Robert Rebaño connived for 41 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the Tech Mighties, who ended the season of the QBE Generals, 69-58.

The Dragons and Tech Mighties thus arranged a best-of-three finals duel starting November 12.

Justin Marie Mier chipped in 10 points, five assists and three rebounds for the Dragons, who did not give the Raptors any breathing space after posting a 25-18 halftime lead.

In the same way, the Tech Mighties kept the Generals at bay after cruising to a comfortable 16-point edge at the bend, 39-23.

In the Elite Classic, Sherwin Emmanuelle Resilla dished out a solid double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Converters kept their title retention bid alive with a 70-47 thrashing of the Accenture Sharks, while the Stallions also forged a rubbermatch after lashing back at the Teleperformance All-Stars, 60-51.

Franz and Kenneth Dysam conspired for 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals for the Converters, who were still locked up in a win or die fight against the Sharks as of this writing yesterday as well as the Stallions opposite the All-Stars.

The survivors of the double knockout match will clash for the championship in a race-to-2 affair next week.— EBV (FREEMAN)