The Chooks-to-Go-backed UAAP Media progressed to the UAAP Season 81 Goodwill Games championship after finally dethroning ABS-CBN Sports, 119-105, in their semifinals clash Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Roy Cayanan waxed hot for the Scribes, drilling seven treys on his way to 39 points – on top of his seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals – to keep his side unblemished through four games.
Taylor Statham, who is set to see action in the upcoming Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, was also a welcome boost for the sportswriters. He manned the paint on his way to an eye-popping triple-double of 32 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, while also rejecting two shots.
Marlon Borre and Rengie Usi contributed 21 and 13 points apiece, while Tiebreaker Times’ Arnold Cagang got 10 in the win.
Spin.ph’s Christian Jacinto, ESPN5’s Yo Sarmenta, and Inquirer.net’s Bong Lozada also made significant contributions for the Scribes.
UAAP Media make their second Finals appearance as they take on fierce rivals Table and Stats in the championship game set this weekend.
Mikee Reyes led the deposed champs ABS-CBN Sports with 33 points and four rebounds.
Christian Luanzon added 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Anton Roxas got 19 in the losing cause.
The Scores:
UAAP MEDIA 119 –– Cayanan 39, Statham 32, Borre 21, Usi 13, Cagang 10, Jacinto 2, Sarmenta 2, Lozada 0.
ABS-CBN SPORTS 105 –– Reyes 33, Luanzon 29, Roxas 19, Velasco 9, Acabado 8, Benitez 7, Manotoc 0.
Quarterscores: 26-15, 55-43, 85-68, 119-105.
