FARM FRESH-Letran clinched the top seed for the 2023 Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League 18-Under NCR Leg Final Four after defeating EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros, 92-68, last Monday at La Consolacion College Gymnasium.
The Milkers finished the elimination round with an 8-1 record, with their only loss against Fin & Claw Grill on June 21 (83-88).
Meanwhile, Fin & Claw secured the second seed over Doc Boleros, despite both teams having identical 7-2 records, due to their 84-80 victory on June 27.
Letran will hold a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals against Taytay, which starts on July 5.
Despite the absence of NCAA Season 98 Finals MVP Andy Gemao, who is with University of the Philippines in Serbia, Farm Fresh-Letran’s depth proved to be effective.
Jovel Baliling and Daniel Padilla led the way for the Milkers with 14 points each, while Syrex Silorio added 13 markers.
Jonathan Manalili contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists to hold the team together.
Markkian Danag paced the EZ Jersey-backed squad with 14 points.
In other news, Pampanga Pradera Theme Park completed an undefeated sweep of the Luzon Leg in this tournament co-presented by SCD and Dumper party-list and supported by J Project Clothings, MDC, Bluesky Advertising, NET 25, Wcube Solutions Inc., Hotel SOGO, and Converge.
Luid Kapampangan was a no-show for the second consecutive game, resulting in Pampanga being awarded the victory.
Luid also failed to appear for their scheduled game against Quezon on July 1.
Pampanga and Datzluv-Sta. Cruz (6-2) will have the playoff incentive in the Final Four as they face LDG San Pedro (4-4) and Quezon (6-2) on July 5.
The champions of the NCR and Luzon Legs will join Mindanao champions Cagayan de Oro Higalas B and Max Ballers Davao, as well as Visayas champion Sherilin Khalifa City of Naga, in the national finals, which begin on July 15 in Pampanga.
