A see saw battle ensued in the opening quarter as scores locked up at 18-all but CIIS employed stronger defense from then on with the connivance of Ferdie Laraga, Alvin Bonjie and Jojo Lawas.
Peppery Danny Infantado propelled CIIS to its final appearance in the 35-above class as he scattered all of his 30-point production in the pivotal period.
Tiger’s big man Dondon Llenos was down to his lowest by only scoring 23 points of his average of 40 points to lead the losing team.
In the 35-below division, underdog CEBU scored an upset over LC Customs Brokerage, 77-76.
CEBU rode on the heroics of Jerson Pejo who scored a fast drive lay-up in the last seven ticks coming from a steal to bail his team out of danger.
Pejo buried 26 points while Joseph Lopez and Gerald Ompad connived for 23 points.
On the other hand, PJ Urbina scored 20 points for the losing team.
The scores
First game
CIIS (82) - Infantado 30, Lawas 11, Bonjie 10, Vargas 7, Edera 6, Muñoz 5, Amante 4, Guibao 3, Laraga 2, Barreda 2, Sultan 2
DC Tigers (63) - Llenos 23, Capahi 10, Santillan 6, Almocera 5, Alo 4, Sta. Cruz 4, Bacurnay 4, Bantilan 4, Cilocilo 2, Ordeneza 1
Second game
CEBU (77) - Pejo 26, Lopez 13, Ompad 10, Arreglo 9, Go 8, Cabañez 3, Trinidad 3, Amaro 3, Samar 2
LC (76) - Urbina 20, Sesante 14, Maningo 12, Olvis 8, Palabon 7, Abergos 5, Bulabon 4, Cañete 2, Pañar 2, Sardane 2