SIP vs MOVER in MDX finals

Defending champion Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense is a win shy of successfully defending its crown as the team holds a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals of the 2006 MDX Good Sportsmanship Basketball League Coca-Cola Cup.

SIP completed the elimination round of the playoffs with a perfect 3-0 record Wednesday night, scoring an easy victory after RHT failed to suit up players for the game.

It then came down to what team will earn the final spot in the title game, and both MOVER and Budweiser were determined to take the slot.

The two were engaged in a tightly fought battle, but in the end, MOVER had just enough juice as the team pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 85-76 victory.

The Budweiser cagers had trouble in the early goings, and quickly found themselves in a hole after Ryan Sanciangco and C.J. Ambrosio pumped in 10 points apiece to help MOVER take a 26-16 lead after the first 10 minutes play.

The two teams matched each other well in the second as Budweiser finally got going, but despite improving their play, the Budweiser players were not able to close the gap as center Dalewin Cortez used his height advantage and fueled his team’s run with eight points, enabling MOVER to pad its lead to 12 points, 47-35, heading into halftime.

Budweiser, however, refused to throw in the towel and surged back into contention at the start of the second half. Veteran guard Elias Rangamar hit three triples, James Abuy hit a triple and a field goal, and Budweiser was able to taste the lead when Leo Factor worked his way in the paint for a bucket, 63-61, lead with seconds remaining in the third period.

Sanciangco then came to the rescue for MOVER as he nailed a bomb from downtown to restore his team’s lead, 64-63, just before the end of the period.

Sanciangco’s shot was just a sign of things to come as the rookie stepped up in the clutch and carried MOVER with 11 points in the final quarter. With their standout rookie leading the way offensively, MOVER put up a solid defensive stand and was able to outscore Budweiser, 21-13, to bag the victory.

Sanciangco earned player of the game honors as he led MOVER with a game-high 32 points. Ambrosio and Cortez also had solid outings, with Ambrosio scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds and Cortez pumping in 14 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Taj Van Buren led Budweiser with 19 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while Marlon De Dios and Rangamar punched in 12 and 11 points.

With that, MOVER and SIP will play in the championship game this Sunday at 6pm. SIP will win the championship with a victory, while a win by MOVER will force a do-or-die Game 2. SIP enters with the twice-to-beat advantage after going perfect in the playoffs, while MOVER holds a 2-1 record.

Budweiser and RHT will battle for third place at 4pm.

MOVER 85 – Sanciangco 32, Ambrosio 15, Cortez 14, Gamboa 7, Domingo 6, Aquino 6, Dalangin 5.

Budweiser 76 – Van Buren 19, De Dios 12, Rangamar 11, Abuy 8, Factor 8, Mendoza 7, Lerio 7, Vinas 2, Celes 2.

Scoring by quarters: 26-16, 47-35, 64-63, 85-76.

Referees: Tom Alegre, Gilbert Espinosa, and Noel Delos Santos.