THE National University (NU) Bulldogs arranged a rematch with first game tormentor De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers for the title of the 34th Kadayawan Sports Festival Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament finals, set Wednesday (August 14) evening, after posting its second win via 74-63 demolition of Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma Cobras Tuesday, August 13.
Issa Gaye and Dave Ildefonso drilled in 14 and 12 points, respectively, to lift the Bulldogs' come-from-behind victory against the Cebu-based Cobras who paced as much at nine points at the end of the first period in the game held at Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center.
But the Bulldogs came back strong at the second half, snatching the lead in the third behind Gaye's eight points and Chino Mosqueda's back-to-back treys.
On title match against DLSU, NU coach Dennis Llames said Wednesday, August 14, "We must play good defense and hope we make our shots later."
SWU, meanwhile, leaned on Red Cachuela and Lamine Thiam who combined for 26 markers. Cachuela made 18 while Thiam had 16.
League leader and Araw ng Dabaw 2019 champion De La Salle Univeristy (DLSU) Green Archers, for its part, crushed University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 97-78. Green Archers Justin Baltazar erupted with 23 baskets while Jordan Bartlett accounted for 22.
UV's Gelant Delator sank 19 points as teammate Melvin Butohan buried 11.
Wednesday's battle for third pitting bottom two teams SWU and UV was set at 5 p.m., followed by the championship match between DLSU and NU.
The top four teams will go home with P100,000, P60,000, P40,000 and P30,000 cash prizes courtesy of the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office.
The best coach and most valuable player also will pocket P5,000 each in the cagefest organized by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 11 under regional director Glenn Escandor.