Convergys, Supportsave rule E-League

CEBU, Philippines - The Convergys Converters and the Supportsave Dragons consummated a two-game sweep of their rivals to rule their respective divisions in the 12th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament, which finally came to a close last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

The Converters finished off the Lexmark Stallions, 58-51, to successfully defend their Elice Classic title, while the Dragons snared the Evo League crown in style, crushing the Tech Mahindra Tech Mighties, 89-73, to become the first team in league history to emerge as champion without defeat. The Dragons ended their spectacular campaign with a 16-0 record.

Franz Dysam scored only 10 on top of six assists and three steals for the Converters but his consistent play in the best-of-three series earned him the Finals MVP trophy.

Sherwin Emmanuelle Resilla topscored for the Converters with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals followed by Aldene Jay Batino with 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. They thrived in the middle quarters to dash any hopes by the Stallions to forge a rubbermatch.

 Sylvester Millevo, who made history as the first player to win both the season MVP and Rookie of the Year honors a few years back, had 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Franco Angelo Cipriano sizzled with 14 points spiked with 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block for the Stallions but their one-two combo couldn't overturn a great team effort by the Converters.

In the Evo League, after being honored as season MVP and scoring champion, Niño Belande added feather in his cap by grabbing the Finals MVP award anchored on an all-around show of 23 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists.

Edmond Paradian chipped in 16 points, Janille Kristiane Bantilan had 12 and Germaine Jo Guarisma netted 11 markers and passed out eight assists for the Dragons, who got off to a hot start then sustained its momentum in the second period to post a commanding 19-point lead at halftime, 51-32.

That set the stage for the Dragons' historic feat in the fourt-month joust that comes with a big challenge as they will be promoted to the tougher Elite Classic next season.

EJ Saavedra paced the Tech Mighties with 24 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Robert Rebaño had 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and as many steals in a losing effort. (FREEMAN)