Gems sweep Eagles, face Slashers in final

Cebuana Lhuillier steadied on the foul line in the closing seconds as it escaped with a pulsating 103-100 victory over TPG Davao yesterday to set up a clash with regional rival Negros in the MBA National Playoffs at the RMC Gym in Davao City.

The Gems, who took Game 1, 117-93, at the Cebu City Coliseum last Wednesday, went seven-of-eight from the charity lane with less than a minute to turn back the Eagles and wrap up their best-of-three Southern Conference semifinal series, 2-0.

TPG Davao actually appeared headed for a series-tying win after it led 100-96 heading into the final minute. But the Eagles cracked up under pressure and self-destructed as Genesis Sasuman and rookie Peter Jun Simon flubbed their shots, enabling the Gems to hack out the win.

The victory thus set up the Gems against the Slashers in a best-of-five Northern Conference finals at the University of St. La Salle Gym in Bacolod City.

Trailing by two, 94-96, TPG Davao seized control as Ryan Bernardo hit four foul shots and reserve Gilbert Maloloy-on scored on a lay-up as the Eagles grabbed a 100-96 lead.

But the Gems got their act together and put up a tough defensive stance, forcing Sasuman to throw low percentage shots and three turnovers in the Eagles’ last five possessions.

Atoning for a mediocre start, Carlos Sayon, who wound up with 18 points, scored four of Cebuana Lhuillier’s last six charity shots to anchor the Gems’ come-from-behind victory. – Joey Villar