CEBU, Philippines – The Teleperformance Vipers completed a two-game sweep of the Lexmark Stallions, 61-50, to snatch the Division 1 championship of the 10th CSCC E-League men's basketball tourament last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
James Lester Navaja sparkled with 17 points and three rebounds for Teleperformance, which used a decisive endgame rally to finish off Lexmark.
The two protagonists fought on even playing field resulting into a 34-all deadlock after three quarters, but Teleperformance suddenly spewed fire in the closing minutes where they unleashed a 27-16 bomb to blow away Lexmark.
Teleperformance will face next the winner of the Division 2 finals, which was extended into its full route after the ePerformax Reds hit back at the Convergys 2 Blue Devils, 65-58.
Robert Gilo exploded with 23 points laced with nine rebounds for ePerformax, which banked on a steady showing in the final half to live and fight for another day. Gilo was backed up by Joey Mari de Guzman with 12 points, three assists and two steals.
Clifford Amarado had 17 points, while Lourenz Limpangog cashed in 12 markers on top of eight rebounds and two steals in a losing effort for Convergys 2.
Eperformax and Convergys 2 will figure in a knockout duel on October 25, with the winner taking on Teleperformance for the 10th CSCC E-League crown. — EBV) (FREEMAN)