But the Doves still managed to overpower the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 98-62, to move to within a win of their fifth straight title. They go for it in Game 2 today.
Unable to penetrate most of the time, the Doves turned to the hot hands of point guard Al Vergara as he matched pro-bound 6-foot-5 teammate Ranidel de Ocampo’s 21-point output.
Vergara also equaled the league record of seven triples as he helped the Doves trigger several explosive runs in the second and third periods. He buried two treys with 4:24 left, allowing the Doves to take charge, 33-25.
Earlier, Gedden Valencia unloaded 21 points while Divina Reyes had 20 for the Lyceum Lady Pirates, who prevailed over La Salle, 56-43, in the women’s finals.
Melvin Llagas fired 25 points for San Sebastian Cavite as it defeated defending champion Colegio de San Lorenzo, 67-65, in the junior side.
Three more triples from Vergara during a barrage of six three-pointers with 2:38 left saw St. Francis taking a commanding 69-46 spread.
"Maganda ang shooting namin sa labas. We realized this when they took away our post plays by playing zone. They paid the price when they let us shoot from the outside," said Doves coach Gabby Velasco.
Ronnie Zagala put PSBA close for the last time with his drive, 24-27, with 5:53 to go.
"The boys need to show the will to win in Game 2," said Jaguars mentor Monel Kallos.
This was before Vergara unloaded a trey off Christopher Concepcion’s assist and got the Doves’ scoring binge going.
The Doves missed the 6-foot-8 Sotto, who was not allowed by Welcoat Paints management to see action since December because of their ongoing campaign in the Philippine Basketball League Platinum Cup.