Convergys, Lexmark set up final duel in E-League

CEBU, Philippines - After falling down the series opener, the defending champions Convergys Converters and the Lexmark Stallions gamely bounced back and eventually completed their spectacular comeback to arrange a championship showdown in the Elite Classic of the 12th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Franz Dysam glittered with 21 points on top of three rebounds and as many assists and steals as the Convergys brought their title defense to a higher level with a 62-56 victory over the the Accenture Sharks, while Siegfred Ofonda led five players in double figures with 16 points for the Stallions, who booked the other finals ticket after terminating the Teleperformance All-Stars, 72-69.

Kenneth Dysam chipped in 13 markers, six rebounds and three assists, while Jaime Pacquiao had 10 points and six rebounds for the Converters, who banked on a blistering offensive in the final half to end the season of the stubborn Sharks. They never looked back after taking  a 34-20 halftime lead anchored on a crippling 23-11 run in the second period.

Ryan Edward Llanos had 17 points and three rebounds for the Sharks, while Archie Batua scored 15 and pulled down 10 boards in a losing cause for the Sharks.

In the other game, Franco Angelo Cipriano chalked up 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, Michael Recla added 11 points, while Sylvester Millevo and Vill Duero finished with 10 points apiece for the Stallions, who rode on a steady endgame assault to get rid of the hard-fighting All-Stars.

James Lester Navaja had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Clark Navaja and Marcos Jungoy III connived for 22 points but their efforts went for naught as the All-Stars already bade farewell from the tournament.

Convergys and Lexmark will begin their best-of-three title series on November 12, the same day the Supportsave Dragons and the Tech Mahindra Tech Mighties commence their own race-to-2 battle for the Evo League crown. —EBV  (FREEMAN)