Saints, Rollers A complete U18 semis cast

The G-Rollers’ Mike Arciga tries to dribble past Dream Team’s Shane Deleon Guerrero during their U21 playoff game in the BANMI youth caging yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. Arciaga also played for the Rollers A, which defeated Division of Youth Services, 70-55, in the U18 playoff match yesterday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Saints played in the first game and edged the Ol’Aces, 54-47, while in the second game, the Rollers A coasted past Division of Youth Services, 70-55. The top-ranked San Jose Ol’Aces and second-seeded Kentucky Fried Chicken earlier notched the first two semis berths and will challenge the Rollers A and Saints, respectively, in today’s two Final Four pairings. KFC and the Saints duel in the first match at 6:30pm, while the SJ Ol’Aces battle the Rollers B in the second game at 6:30pm. Winners of tonight’s tiffs will square off for the championship this Saturday at 11:30am.

The Rollers A moved one win away from the title game, as it pulled away from its playoff match with DYS in the second quarter.

Ahead by only six after the first period, 24-18, the Rollers A more than doubled up DYS in the second period with its 20-9 scoring surge to take a promising 44-27 halftime advantage. Prince Factor led the breakaway, scoring 7 points in the second period, while three of his teammates added at least two baskets each.

The Rollers A was never threatened from thereon, preserving its double-digit lead in the second half as DYS could not hit baskets in streak, while the opposing team continued to spread the wealth.

Factor top-scored for Rollers A with his 20 points, while five of his teammates finished with at least 7 markers each. Djay Ong paced DYS with his 14 markers.

In the first game, Michael Espinosa towed the Saints to victory after firing a game-high 22 points.

Espinosa’s consistent scoring allowed the Saints to lead the Ol’Aces at the end of each quarter. He saved his best for last, drilling 9 of his total points in the fourth, including the Saints’ last 5 to seal the 7-point victory.

Jun Fidelino backed up Espinosa as the latter contributed 11, while Renan Lansang added 6. Kenji Abobo had 13 for the Ol’Aces.

First Game
C.K. Saints 54–Espinosa 22, Fidelino 11, Lansang 6, Reyes , Pangelinan 4.

Ol’Aces 47–Abobo 13, Borja 11, Miller 8, Cristobal 4, Kabiriel 2.

Scoring by quarters: 13-8, 23-18, 36-32, 54-47.

Second Game
Rollers A 70–Factor 20, Arciaga 9, Camacho 8, Malonzo 7, Feria 7, Babauta 7, Vivero 2, Iglecias 2.

DYS 55–Ong 14, Flores 12, Salalila 11, Manalili 7, J. Santos 5, Montes 4, Ellama 3.

Scoring by quarters: 24-18, 44-27, 59-42, 70-55.