Smileys down Dy-Mons, gain PGBL semis

MANILA, Philippines – Christian Sevilla nailed a league record seven three-pointers and Say Chiz leaned on its defense in the stretch to hold off Charlie’s Dy-Mons, 72-67, for the first final berth in the first PGBL Willie Caballes Cup at the Rizal Coliseum Monday night.

Sevilla finished with 21 points to lead the Smileys while Ethan Tiu and Wowie Lucas came through with big defensive plays in the last 55 seconds to clinch the win for Say Chiz, which took a 70-65 lead en route to its fourth win in five outings.

In the first game, the San Mateo Spurs routed JK Tigerscribes, 78-65.

Malaya’s Jerome Lagunazad and Manila Times’ Josef Ramos keyed a big third-quarter run while Eric Uy came up with another all-around performance to give the Spurs their third win in five outings. San Mateo can nail a championship slot by beating Say Chiz in the final classification week of the tournament held in honor of the late Manila Bulletin assistant sports editor.