Sarok Weavers reassert dominance over Dreamers

CEBU, Philippines — The Visayas champions Consolacion Sarok Weavers reaffirmed their mastery over the Mindanao titleholders Davao Occidental Dreamers anew via a close 79-76 decision in the 2022 Pilipinas Super League (PSL) 21 Under National Finals late Friday night at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) in Barangay Sawang Calero.

The Sarok Weavers thus moved two games away from clinching the historic national crown of the developmental league featuring the best U21 ballers across the country.

As of this writing last night, the Sarok Weavers were still slugging it out with Luzon titlist Pampanga Delta for an outright final slot in “Battle of Champions”.

Just like in their previous encounter, the Sarok Weavers masterfully overhauled a double-digit deficit in the first half on the way to frustrate the Dreamers, thanks to the endgame heroics of Rovello Robles, team captain Paolo Dalumpines, and Keaton Taburnal.

Robles finished with 13 points, including five straight that towed the Sarok Weavers on top by three, 75-72, in the final three minutes of the contest.

After the Dreamers forged a 75-75 deadlock on a three-point play by Rainer Maga, Dalumpines scored on a tough baseline drive before Taburnal completed a breakaway layup off a crucial steal for a 79-76 Consolacion lead with only 4.7 ticks left in the gameclock.

The Dreamers had several chances to send the game into overtime but Maga and Jude Bagay misfired their 3-point attempts in quick succession as the time expired.

The Talisay City-native Taburnal topped the Sarok Weavers with 17 points and eight rebounds. Dalumpines banged in 16 markers and passed away six assists, while Froiland Maglasang added 13 points, seven boards, and three dimes for the winning side.