THE DEFENDING champions Durabend-Lapu-Lapu A bucked a twice-to-win disadvantage and upended the top-seeded Unitec-Rajah Humabon, 96-89, in their do-or-die semifinal match in the United Architects Basketball Club last Sunday at the Cebu Eastern College gym.
Seeded fourth after a lackluster showing in the elimination round, Durabend came alive in the semis to turn back Unitec and take the last finals berth opposite their sister team, the Boysen-Lapu-Lapu B, who disposed of SteelTech-ArkiGrads in the other semis pairing.
It was by no means an easy victory as Unitec hung tough behind the 26 points of prolific wingman Mike Cinco and the equally efficient Ferdinand Tiro who fired in 23 of his own.
However, Durabend simply had too many weapons as Elmer Laguna, Jex Somosot and this writer sank timely baskets to emerge victorious.
Ginormously strong big man Mark Capili had 20 points to back up this writer’s 28-point performance.
Somosot and Laguna chipped in 15 apiece for the winning squad.