Teleperformance, Lexmark, Convergys 2 advance into E-League conference finals

CEBU, Philippines – Defending champion Teleperformance Vipers (formerly Aegis), Lexmark Stallions and Convergys 2 Blue Devils terminated separate foes to barge into the conference finals of the 10th CSCC E-League men's basktetball tournament last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Teleperformance kicked out Convergys 1 Wolves, 54-47, Lexmark handed the Accenture Sharks their exit slip this season via overtime, 64-60, while Convergys 2 eliminated the Wipro Tigers, 67-62.

James Lester Navaja tallied 15 points and seven rebounds, Ryan Veloso added 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two two steals for Teleperformance, which detonated a devastating 21-9 bomb at the endgame to blow away the title hopes of Convergys 1.

Gamaliel Bas added 11 points and four rebounds as Teleperformance now heads to a race-to-2 championship battle in Division 1 against Lexmark, which needed an extra five-minute period before getting rid of the equally-tough Convergys 1.

Edwin Bibera paced Lexmark with 18 points and nine rebounds followed by Franco Angelo Cipriano with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Seigfred Ofonda and Niel Tiempo chipped in 11 markers apiece even as they also connived for eight rebounds, six assists and two steals that spelled big difference for the Stallions.

On the other hand, Lourenz Limpangog topped Convergys 2 with 23 points and six rebounds. Joselito Aranda tossed in 14 points and three rebounds

for the Blue Devils, who will face next the already waiting ePerformax Reds in the best-of-three Division 2 finals starting on October 18. — EBV (FREEMAN)