Making good use of its deep bench, Harbour Centre overpowered a hurting Montaña Pawnshop side, 86-60, yesterday to arrange a best-of-five title duel with Toyota Otis.
The Port Masters and the Sparks begin their playoff Thursday at the Olivarez Sports Center, each going for a breakthrough championship in the league.
LA Tenorio and Joseph Yeo took turns in delivering the goods for Harbour Centre, combining for 31 points, including 14 in a third-quarter run that paved the way for the team’s breakaway finish.
The Port Masters disposed of the Jewelers in four games in their best-of-five semis duel.
"Finally, we’re in the finals," said an ecstatic Harbour Centre team owner Mikee Romero.
"It feels great to be in the finals," said coach Jorge Gallent after steering Harbour Centre to the finale in his very first tournament calling the shots as head coach for the team.
Montaña Pawnshop fell in defeat despite the return of top gun Alex Compton.
Compton’s comeback obviously inspired the Jewelers early on with the team even taking a one-point lead, 41-40, at halftime.
It was Compton’s farewell game in the league.
Though still hurting, Compton hustled a lot and came up with big plays that helped Montaña keep the game close in the first half.
But Yeo and Tenorio buckled down to work in the third, and Harbour Centre cut loose from a tight game and went on to complete an emphatic victory.
Eric dela Cuesta’s pulled muscle injury compounded Montaña’s woes.
"I’m proud of my players. We fought till the end despite the injuries," said Montaña mentor Nel Parado.