Kyocera edges Dynata in OT to reach finals

CEBU, Philippines — The Kyocera Frontiers went through overtime before fending off the Dynata Warriors, 68-66, in their knockout match to barge into the EVO League finals of the Tanduay Athletics CSCC E-Leagues for Basketball Season 15 last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

For winning their best-of-three semifinal series, 2-1, Kyocera earned the right to face the Contact Solutions Flying Lemurs in the championship that is also a race-to-2 affair.

Matthew Grafilo fired 35 points on top of five rebounds, two assists and one steal for the Frontiers, who made a big turnaround following their 49-80 setback in Game 2.

In that game though, Ariel Edera was missing in action.

Upon his return, Edera made a significant contribution with 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks.

In the deciding Game 3, Dynata was actually ahead by five after three quarters, 51-46, but Kyocera dug deep offensively when it mattered the most at crunchtime to escape with a two-point victory.

Tommy Ugsimar and Karl Rubica both posted double-double, albeit in a losing effort for the gritty Dynata.

Ugsimar finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Rubica tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, one assist and one block.