THE DEFENDING champions Recoletos Pilipinas (RP) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Knights beat respective opponents last Saturday at the USJ-R main quadrangle to forge a championship showdown in the 12th Recoletos de Cebu Basketball League.
Former Seminarian of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects (FORSOAR) Nikki Dominguez led RP with 32 points as they defeated the Our Lady of Consolation Parish Recoletos de Laray (OLCPR-L), 86-79.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Ranel Embalzado contributed 23 markers for RP.
This marks as the third straight championship appearance for RP, which is aiming a sixth title since the league’s inauguration in 2006.
Mark Paradero and Jerald Pasatiempo led OLCPR-L with 26 and 15 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, James Reusora exploded for 41 points to lead the USJR Knights past the Campus Planners, 102-84.
The Planners were led by Joseph Talara with 18 markers.