DEFENDING champion Davao Jones Academy (DJA) Spunky routed host President Manuel Roxas of Zamboanga del Norte, 69-58, in yesterday's semifinals to book a finals ticket in the United Basketball League (UBL) Mindanao Finals held at the latter's municipal gym.
Angelo Paul Escolana scored perfect six out of six attempts from the three-point line to finish with a total of 18 points as John Lloyd Kinatagcan added 13 baskets for the Rael Diaz-coached DJA.
In the elimination games, DJA escaped past Mati City, 92-89, but lost to arch-rival Cagayan de Oro City, 73-80. DJA, however, bounced back by pulling off a 94-88 win over Misamis Occidental.
Diaz said the loss to Cagayan de Oro was unfortunate as they were leading all the way until three of his star players were sidelined due to cramps.
His wards arranged a titular showdown with Butuan City, which escaped past Cagayan de Oro City, 63-61.
"Napildi namo ang Butuan sa elimination last year. Nakapahulay napud mi kay first game man among semis (We beat Butuan during last year's elimination. The boys have also rested since we played first semis game in the morning)," he said in a Facebook interview with SunStar Davao.
Diaz added, "Momentum kaayo ni sa Davao (We have the momentum)."
The Dabawenyos won the 2017 UBL edition held in Lantapan, Bukidnon and the first season in 2014 in Davao City. Misamis Occidental ruled the 2016 staging of the cagefest.
DJA is also composed of Arrel John Audencia, Mark Bacalso, Nico Cabalhin, Ken Jigger Ceño, Steve Lee Bryle Cordova, Ivan Jhon Cuyos, Julius Cesar Olivar, John Dave Palero, Philip Saladio, Jr., John Andrey Sanchez, Teofhil Carl Tabo and Rob Cedric Templanza.