Unfamiliar foes make up an interesting finals match up in the Next5Hoops Metro Manila – Central Leg Intermediate Division.
Tsek Repablik and J and J, who never met in the elimination round, try to push each other to the limit for the right to be named the champions.
The final face-off is on February 5 at EJG Lucky Gym.
J and J knows what it’s like to be pushed to the brink after a close shave against Goto Pilipinas, 84-82, in the Top 8 of the tournament organized by One Unite Sports.
In the semifinal, J and J also showed its capability in clutch by turning a nip-and-tuck affair into a 98-85 victory in overtime over So Kian.
J and J went on a 15-to-nothing run in the last three minutes of OT to bag the Finals berth.
JR Olegario had the hottest hand in the win with 34 points that went with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
But John Beldad also provided quality numbers with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
The two are still expected to carry J and J against Tsek Repablik, which dominated all of its opponents in the playoffs.
Tsek Repablik extinguished Fuel Saver, 102-80, in the quarterfinals then crushed Wednesday Group, 118-99, to secure the Finals ticket.
In both victories, Tsek Repablik showed it isn’t lacking firepower with its starting five consistently contributing double-digit points among others.
Against Fuel Saver, it was Edson Ariscon which netted 30 points before June Crespo took over and dropped 28 points against Wednesday Group.
With high-scoring leads on both sides, fans can expect non-stop action in the one-off final.
