THE 2002 Legendary Lions advanced to the finals in Division 2 after they defeated the 1997 Ronins, 59–48, in the 2016 University of San Carlos (USC) North Alumni Basketball Conference on Sunday at the USC North Campus gym.
After several conferences of uninspired play, Batch 2002 has since picked it up and are now two wins away from capturing the title.
James Tagalog scored 26 points, Violeta Tan added 14 while former two-time MVP Enrico Llanto added 10 to help the Lions snatch the win and a spot in the finals opposite the 1999s.
Batch 1999 beat the Sipat 1998, 65–52, to capture the other finals ticket in Division 2.
In Division 1, the 1985 Legends will once again face off against the 1993 Dragons after the two powerhouse squads hurdled their respective semifinals opponents.
The Legends got 19 points from former pro Lou Regidor which was enough to send the 1994 Bulldogs packing, 62–52.
Jove Sepe had 15 while Marc Tan pitched in 14 to get the Legends a shot at defending their title which they won in thrilling fashion — a buzzer-beating jumper by Regidor — over the Dragons in the last conference.
The Dragons booked their spot in the finals after outlasting the 1980 Chargers, 61–56.