Telstra grabs EVO crown in E-League

CEBU, Philippines – The Telstra-Teletech Boomerangs upstaged the Supportsave Dragons, 79-72, in the deciding match of their best-of-three finals to snatch the EVO championship of the 11th CSCC E-League men’s basketball tournament last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Sam Jordan Hermosa fired 32 points on top of 12 rebounds, six steals and three assists to romp off with the Finals MVP award. Their chief strategist Kenneth Esloyo was named ‘Coach of the Year’ in the Evo division.

Jaygard Vios added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Ryan Paul Abordonado finished 10 points, three rebounds and three assists for Telstra, which used a relentless offensive in the final half to turn the tables on Supportsave.

It was indeed a sorry loss for the Dragons as they got off to a blistering 24-16 start. The Dragons even padded their lead to 10 points at halftime, 39-29.

The Boomerangs, however, charged back with finesse in the third period, launching a 30-19 blitz to wrest the driver’s seat, 59-58, for good going into the last 10-minute mark of the contest.

Telstra then fought steadier in the windup to walk away with a seven-point victor.

Germaine Jo Guarisma scattered 23 points laced with six rebounds, four assists and three steals, but Nino Belande was held off to only 14 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in a losing effort for Supportsave.— EBV (FREEMAN)