Savemore, Choju conquer foes in semis

Savemore and Choju conquered their foes in the double-elimination semis of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League Season 2 last Tuesday at the Gillette Multi-Purpose Gymnasium in Gualo Rai.

Savemore gained the upper hand with a win against Premier Builders, 72-66.

In an intense showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats, both teams filled up the first half to the brim with thrilling twists and turns at the basket. It was an even matchup with high energy and fiercely contested shots, which resulted in a close 41-40 first half in favor of Savemore.

Premier Builders tried to build on their momentum from last Sunday’s win as they came out with an early run, but Savemore’s saving grace was from the 3-point line.

In the first half alone, a bulk of their shots were made from 3-point range, with six connections. Savemore carried their sharpshooting ways in the second half and started it off with a three from Getsen Jandoc.

Savemore then began to find their rhythm while making it difficult for Premier Builders to get accurate shots. Then, with the help of Mark Malinay’s crucial four back-to-back free throws toward the end of the game, it sealed their Game 1 win by a 6-point margin.

Savemore’s Julius Domine dominated with a game-high 24 markers, followed by Malinay’s 19, and Jandoc’s 10. Premier Builders’ Jerome Directo’s efforts totaled 15 points, while John Mejarito contributed 12, and Jomari Dela Cruz and Carlo Castillo both put up 9.

In the nightcap, Choju crushed Yuman, 87-76, to get a one-game lead.

Choju quickly overtook Yuman in the first half as everyone contributed to the cause. Their lead increasingly ballooned to the double digits after each fastbreak shot and ended the half with a 14-point lead, 40-26.

It was a failing effort for Yuman in the second half as Choju’s leading scorers, Junior Aguon and Jay Art Palmes, were a duo that wrecked the basket with each shot. Aguon led the team to victory with 24 points, while Palmes posted 15, and Dion Lizama scored 11.

Yuman’s Carl Aldan scored 20, Justine Enano had 13 points, and Sean Licayan had 12 markers.

Catch the games tonight as Premier Builders take on Yuman and Savemore battles Choju.

Savemore 72 – Domine 24, Malinay 19, Jandoc 10, Hipolito 8, Antonio 5, Martin 2, Macaraig 2, Sapo 2.

Premier Builders 66 – Directo 15, Mejarito 12, Dela Cruz 9, Castillo 9, Godoy 8, Villocero 4, Yanto 4, Peredo 3, Didulo 2.

Scoring by halves: 41-40, 72-66.

Choju 87 – J. Aguon 24, Palmes 15, Lizama 11, Satur 9, H. Aguon 8, Santos 8, Faisao 6, Mamis 6.

Yuman 76 – Aldan 20, Enano 13, Licayan 12, Nuyles 11, Atencio 7, Magno 5, Cristobal 4, Agustin 2, Itibus 2.

Scoring by halves: 40-26, 87-76.