Panthers vs Dragons in Elite-Talisay hoop final

CEBU, Philippines - The topseeded Dragons and the second-ranked Panthers pulled off close wins over separate rivals to set up a title showdown in the Elite Basketball-Talisay Season 1 last Sunday at the Vista Grande gym in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City.

The Dragons punched a final ticket after terminating the No.4 seed Falcons in come-from-behind fashion, 99-95.

Five players cashed in double digits for the Dragons led by Renz Alfred Tayong with 20 points.

Christian Sumalpong had a game-high 29 points in a losing effort for the Stallions.

In the other semifinal match, the Panthers displayed the championship poise that they are known for in  a 119-113 victory over the hard-fighting Stallions.

Mark Panerio carried the fight for the Panthers on the way to a topscoring 32 points. He got huge support from Aljun Areja, who knocked in five 3-pointers of his 29 points.

It was a sorry loss for the Stallions as they gallantly clawed back from a 27-point deficit only to fall short in the closing seconds of the game.

Trailing 53-70 with still eight minutes left to play in the third quarter, the Stallions staged a daring comeback to even the count, 110-all, on Malvin Malicdem's free throw at the final one-minute mark.

However, a basket by Panerio followed by an undergoal stab by Jundy Dimitiman from the Panthers side quelled what had been a great comeback efforts by the Stallions.

Ed Macasling paced the Stallions with 31 points, while Elite-Talisay Season 1 MVP Prince Vaughn Malana had 26 points for a losing cause.

The championship match between the Panthers and Dragons is set for February 19. (FREEMAN)