Huskers sizzle, make South Finals

The Quezon Huskers warmed up as the Cebu Greats turned cold in the fourth quarter and prevailed 83-56 on Tuesday to barge into the South Finals and stay on track for a third straight division crown at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Judel Fuentes found his range and pumped in 11 points as the Huskers bundled 13 and held the Greats scoreless for nearly five minutes to decide the outcome, 69-51, and complete their 2-0 sweep of the semifinal series.

The Huskers, who subdued the Greats, 77-67, in Game 1, will face the winner of the other semifinal tussle between Binan Tatak Gel and Rizal XentroMall.

Fuentes paced Quezon with 20 points and three rebounds, but Christian Pagaran emerged as the SportsPlus Best Player with 16 points, including seven in the third quarter, and three assists.

Cebu was limited to four points in the fourth, and Quezon completed the annihilation by scoring the game’s last 11 points.

Other Huskers who delivered were Jolo Manansala, with seven points, four rebounds and two assists; Chris Lalata, with six points and nine rebounds; Cholo Añonuevo, with four points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks; and Cyrus Tabi, with four points, seven assists and two rebounds.

Cedric Manzano, Quezon’s starting center, returned after more than a month absence due to an injury and contributed five points and two rebounds.

No Great could register double figures, with Elmer Echavez coming through with nine points, Ichie Altamirano with seven, and Simon Camacho, with seven plus 12 rebounds.