HUA SIONG College of Iloilo Red Phoenix and St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets bested their semifinals foes to reach the finals of the 2018 ISSA Meet secondary boys basketball.
The Red Phoenix did not need their twice-to-beat incentive when they staved off Sun Yat Sen High School Blue Lions 94-59 Friday at the Western Institute of Technology gym in Iloilo City. Reneil Gamboa led Hua Siong with 28 points while Reynold Tupaz added 17.
Hua Siong was in control of the game from the start as Tupaz and Lee Jimera hit their shots. The match was already decided in the second half, allowing head coach Vincent Conlu to insert other players.
“Good thing our players did not show any rustiness since we have not had a game in a while,” said Conlu. “We will now prepare for the championship. We cannot take St. Robert’s lightly.”
The Panda Rockets, on the other hand, came up with crucial baskets in the endgame to score 76-69 against Santa Clarita International School Primes. Wilfredo Dinate had 22 points while Roy Oscar Jacinto added 15 markers for the St. Robert’s.
After holding on a 2-point edge at the latter part of the fourth quarter, the Panda Rockets took advantage of the Primes missing their shots to widen the gap for good.
Game 1 of the Red Phoenix-Panda Rockets championship series will begin Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. Game 2 was slated Wednesday and, if necessary, Game 3 will be held on Friday./PN
