BOTH are three-time finalist but never a champion.
It's certain that either Xavier University United or XUHS Gamba 97 will finally bask with a ring in hand after disputing the best-of-3 finals in the 10th Xavier University High School (XUHS) ABA basketball tournament, which started Saturday, November 9 at the Xavier Estates gym, Cagayan de Oro City.
This is the third final appearances for XU United and Gamba 97ers, which to explain their excitement of getting one elusive crown after two title setbacks each in the past.
XU United team manager and lawyer Joseph Hamilton Cuevas is confident that his boys led by dominant center Erwin Raagas will be able to adjust well in the title series with experience on their side.
“We consider this series as very important to us. We have identified our weaknesses in the past and have addressed them appropriately,” Cuevas said.
Both teams finished strong in the elimination round with 7-1 win-loss card, with the 97ers securing the top slot via the winner-over-the-other rule after a 3-point victory over the grizzled XU United side.
The 97ers will have Nikku Benson Valles in the company of bull-strong Andrew Neri and former San Miguel Beer forward Bitoy Omolon who were rumored to rejoin them in Game two.
“Yes, this was what I heard because Neri will have a special occasion in Cagayan de Oro in time of Game 2, while Bitoy had agreed earlier that he will also play,” said Gamba 97 governor Arman Florendo.
Meanwhile, tournament commissioner Dhon Lazo said that it 's also a must-see finals in Group B after all the semifinal matches reached a "sudden death" after Jammers 2005 and Batch 2009 forced a decision against the twice-to-beaten Wolves 2007 and XUHS 2006. (With JJF reports)