The Penthel team. | Contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—The reigning champions Lycans will get to defend their crown against Penthel in the finals after the two teams ousted their respective opponents in thrilling fashion in the semifinals of the Duterte Basketball League on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at the Capitol Parish Gym.
The Lycans edged Journey to Recovery, 79-77, while Penthel nipped the erstwhile-unbeaten H&G, 67-65, to arrange a best-of-three showdown for the title.
Crafty guard Rexon Moneva paced the Lycans — a team owned by businessman and triathlete, Melchor Aropo — with 19 points while Barok Ceniza backed him up and had 15 markers.
In the other game, former University of Cebu big man Ruben Ludovice led Penthel with the scoring punch it needed as he put up 19 points.
Another former Cesafi standout, James Ferraren, was also instrumental in getting Penthel to the finals, as he scored 14.
Game 1 of the championship series will be on Sunday May 26 at the same venue, right after the third place game between H&G and JTR. /bmjo