MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Foton Toplander and Manila NU-MFT downed their respective rivals to arrange a showdown for the Filsports Basketball Association Second Conference crown at the Marikina Sports Center.
The Toplanders turned back the Marikina Wangs Deliverers, 82-75, while the Mica Tan-backed Bulldogs bested the Pateros Austen Morris Associates, 70-63, over the weekend to set up a best-of-three duel for the crown.
Game One starts today at the Colegio De San Sebastian, Pampanga.
JV Gallego erupted for 20 points as he outshone Jawhar Purdy and former pro and playing owner coach Nic Belasco for the Bulldogs while Levi Hernandez paced the Toplanders with 13 points.
Major sponsor Titan, headed by one of its owners, former pro Jeffrey Cariaso, gave away shirts to fans during halftime of both games with FBA commissioner Vince Hizon, president LJ Serrano and COO Claudia Perrine. Representatives of the other sponsor Korgivit E also graced the semifinals matches.
The games are shown over Aksyon TV and Net 25.