Prime Asia scores semis sweep

CEBU, Philippines - The Prime Asia-UV Lancers launched a blistering third-quarter assault to grill the San Marino Corned Tuna-USPF Panthers, 61-52, and complete a three-game sweep in the semifinals of the 6th CESAFI Partner's Cup men's.

After a 27-all standoff at halftime, Prime Asia of coach Felix Belano, Jr. detonated a 28-16 bomb to gain a 55-43 advantage heading into the final 10-minute zone of the contest.

Versatile center Wowie Escocio tossed in 16 of his 18 points in that game-ripping rally that broke the backs of San Marino.

The newest revelation for Prime Asia, however, was Francisco Arong, who came up with his first double-figure performance in the tournament with 14 points. No other UV player dished out twin digits on the offensive end.

San Marino's scoring was even worse, with only Fritz Dajalos chasing in double figures with 10 points.

Prime Asia led by as many as 18 points, 61-43, midway in the the fourth period before San Marino pulled within nine points, 52-61, in the closing seconds of the contest.

Prime Asia will face next the Kia Motors/CIT-U Wildcats in the best-of-five finals series that will begin on Tuesday, while Lion Tiger Katol-Aerosol and San Marino Corned Tuna will slug it out for the third place trophy in a best-of-three affair.

The scores

Prime Asia-UV (61) - Escocio 18, Arong 14, Abad 8, Avillanoza 6, Belano 4, Oktubre 4, Premacio 4, Mendoza 2, Calo 1

San Marino-USPF (52) - Dajalos 10, Solamo 9, Camello 8, E. Ferraren 7, Banate 4, Genobia 4, Meca 2, Corcilles 2, Alviva 2

Halftime: 27-all (FREEMAN)