Hobe halts Skyforce, sweeps DEL semis

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Hobe Bihon escaped with a come-from-behind 86-85 victory over Skyforce to sweep the semifinal round of the third DELeague Kap. Rudy Francisco Cup Sunday night at the Marikina Sports Center.

Hobe Bihon (3-0) will have a twice-to-beat incentive in the Finals against the same Skyforce team that finished the semis with a 2-1 mark.

Last Sunday, Skyforce was poised to sweep the Final Four as it led by as many as 13 points, 76-63, entering the final period. Hobe Bihon, however, staged a late-game rally led by former PBA Best Import awardee Jamelle Cornley who finished with 29 points including a dunk that gave the reigning champs an 86-83 lead with 18 seconds left in the game. Skyforce tried to send the game to overtime but Francis Allera’s three-point attempt fell short.

Still, Skyforce  grabbed the rebound and former pro Al Vergara shot from beyond the arc but missed. Het was fouled by Bryan Warnest but sank only the first of two gift shots.