Telstra seals Elite Classic entry with rout of Sykes

CEBU, Philippines – EVO division champion Telstra-Teletech Boomerangs completed their climb up the Elite Classic ladder with a 98-82 thrashing of lottery winner Sykes Pioneers in the 11th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Telstra will face next the twice-to-beat Lexmark Stallions and it would be an an uphill battle for them going up against a top contender in the Elite Classic.

Sam Jordan Hermosa stayed hot on all fronts, firing in 38 points on top of 21 rebounds laced with six blocks, four assists and two steals as the Boomerangs showed they are dead ready to venture in the tougher Elite Classic next season.

Edward Louis Acuna and John Anthony Ares each nailed a dozen markers, while Ryan Paul Abordonado scored 10 and hauled as many rebounds for Telstra, which gamely recovered after being down by five points at the end of the first period, 19-24.

Still trailing at halftime, 41-46, Telstra launched a daring 25-14 counter-attack in the third canto to seize control of the match, 66-60, going into the last quarter.

The Boomerangs then closed the game with a 32-22 bang to come up with a 16-point romp. Overall, they outclassed Sykes in the final half, 57-36.

Frederick Montelibano paced Sykes with 18 points. Vernie Jose Diotay and Gerald Bien Galarido conspired for 31 points in a losing effort. — EBV (FREEMAN)