THE LOWER seeded 2001 Lite Shipping and 1997 Ronins took out their higher-ranked rivals to arrange a finals showdown in Division 2 of the USC NABC Summer League 2 Powered by Common Ground last weekend at the USC North Campus gym.
The Lite Shipping blasted the number one ranked 1998 Sipat, 58-51, in Game 2 to complete a 2-0 series sweep. The Ronins on the other hand, outhustled the 1999ers in the deciding Game 3, 53-47, to emerge with a 2-1 series win.
Carlo Campos had a stellar all-around showing for Lite Shipping as he had 16 points, four assists and five steals while getting ample help from Lawrence Parrotina and Ian Colina, to author the sweep.
In the other semis pairing, Kristian Tapic exploded for 30 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals to tow the Ronins to the winner’s circle and into the finals.
In Division 1, the 1994 Bulldogs remained unbeaten in the tournament as they swept the 1988 Barako, after winning Game 2, 76-58. James Lu led the assault with 18 points, six boards, two assists and two steals even as Sigmund Cabrera and Jaime Medija combined to score 26.
Standing opposite them in the finals will be the 1993 Dragons which also swept the 1985 Legends, but not without controversy.
After 1985’s ace Lou Regidor was ejected for incurring two technical fouls, the Legends walked out in a show of protest of what they perceived to be questionable officiating, and refused to return, thus awarding the Game 2 win and the 2-0 series victory to the Dragons.