Top-seeded Goto Pilipinas dominated Safeway while SCMC-ARA edged CityState Savings Bank as the winners forged the title-decider of the 2nd Conference of 2017 Next5Hoops Corporate – Recreational Division.
Goto Pilipinas drew 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals from Jeff Magan to beat Safeway. Magan shot 8-of-15 from the floor.
Goto Pilipinas raced to a 22-8 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, setting control of the game.
SCMC-ARA had a tougher time in their own semi-final battle, but were able to escape CityState Savings Bank.
Andrew Felix was the high man once again for the winning side, scoring 27 points while adding six boards and three dimes. He got plenty of support as three other starters finished in double-digit scoring.
Ryan Tabong had a double-double of 18 markers and 16 boards.
SCMC-ARA survived a 30-point output from Robertson Abalos, who also hauled down 15 rebounds.
CityState got to within three in the final moments but Nikko Cruz had a split from the foul line to seal the deal. SCMC-ARA led for most of the game.
The winner-take-all final will be on Saturday night, September 16.
