THE Gothong Shipping Lines-Rhinos and the Cebu Sherilin Trading-Bears dispatched of their respective semifinal opponents in contrasting fashion to book a finals showdown in the Elite Basketball Cebu Season 18 last Sunday at the Casals Gym.
The Rhinos overcame a huge 17-point deficit to stun the many-time champions Prime Movers Logistics-Eagles, 109-106, while the Bears booted out the Aneda Builders-Falcons, 107-86.
The Rhinos’ comeback, though, was an impressive one as they trailed early, 1-18, after a fast start by the Eagles of businessman and sportsman Mark Ynoc. However, the Rhinos settled down and eventually made their way back behind the steady play of Shane “The Game” Menina who peppered the Eagles’ defense with numerous three-pointers to erase the double-digit deficit.
The Rhinos then grabbed hold of the lead in the second half as Menina continued his outside barrage while former National University standout Joshua Flores, ex-University of Cebu ace Ruben Ludovice, current Bacolod BingoPlus big man Edrian Lao, and former Adamson great Mark Abadia dominated the shaded lane.
Menina finished the match with 35 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Flores added 26 markers, seven boards, and three steals, while Ludovice had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds to go with three blocks.
Joshua dela Cerna led the Eagles with 32 points and 17 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Bears of Richard Mercado leaned on solid performances from their reliable stars led by James Ferraren who had 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and Sam Hermosa, who produced 18 points and six boards. Speedy guard Zylle Cabellon notched 16 points, six assists, and two steals.
The championship game will be this Sunday, July 10, at 6 p.m. at the same venue.