CEBU, Philippines - Dean Junber Escalon delivered a performance worthy of a Finals MVP trophy, powering the Teleperformance Vipers (formerly Aegis) to an emphatic 52-49 victory over the Convergys 2 Blue Devils in the deciding match of their best-of-three series to snatch back-to-back championships in the 10th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament yesterday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
The Vipers, under the tutelage of Lou Regidor, who grabbed his second straight 'Coach of the Year' award, also won the title last season when they were still under the banner of Aegis.
Escalon charted 15 points spiked with five rebounds, three assists and two steals in an all-around showing that spelled big difference for Teleperformance's crowning glory.
Ryan Veloso added 11 points for the Vipers, who fought with grace under heavy pressure to negate any comeback attempt by the Blue Devils.
The Vipers were on top by four at halftime, 27-23, but the Blue Devils fired back with finesse in the third canto to seize the upperhand, 40-39, going in the final 10-minute zone of the contest.
The Vipers, however, kept their poise and composure in the windup to pull of a close, yet breath-taking victory over the once invincible Blue Devils.
The others who figured prominently in the Vipers' win were Kevin Clark Navaja with eight points and four rebounds, Cecilio Sam Jr. with six points, five rebounds and two steals and John Louie Arriesgado, who scored only two but pulled down four rebounds and dished out as many assists.
Sherwin Resilla paced the Blue Devils with 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. Clifford Amarado had points, six steals and three assists, while Lourenz Limpangog finished with 10 points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists in a losing effort.— EBV (FREEMAN)