CEBU, Philippines - The Accenture Sharks finished off the Sykes Pioneers, 75-58, in the deciding match of their best-of-three finals series to romp off with the Southtern Conference title of the 9th CSCC E-League for Basketball last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
Accenture now waits for the winner of the Northern Conference championship between the Aegis Vipers and defending champion Stream Ingenyouity. Aegis drew first blood in its own race-to-2 battle against Stream via a 57-47 decision.
Archie Byan Vince Batua exploded with a season-best 30 points laced with eight steals, seven rebounds and four assists, while Ildefonso Bulangis, Jr. chipped in 16 markers on top of four assists, three steals and two rebounds for Accenture, which waxed hot from the start to take a 36-27 lead at halftime.
After an uneventful third period, Accenture went back to usual business in the closing minutes of the contest to dish out a 17-point romp.
Frederick Montelibano paced Sykes with 20 points and four rebounds followed by Ray Oliver Castañares with 11 points, four assists and two steals in a losing cause.
On the other hand, Ryan Veloso sparkled with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and as many steals as Aegis moved just one win away from clinching the Northern Conference crown.
Aegis was actually down by a matchstick at halftime, 25-26, but rode on a strong final-half performance to turn the game on its head. They seized the driver's seat after three quarters, 39-36, then closed the match with an 18-11 bang to fluster Stream at the final buzzer.
Sylvester Millevo scattered with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Joselito Aranda had 11 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists for Stream, which hopes to live and fight for another day when it takes on Aegis anew in Game 2 scheduled on October 19. (FREEMAN)