Capital1, Smart Sports dispute crown
NO guts, no glory.
Capital1 and Smart are out to leave everything they got as they duke it out for the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup title in the Finals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Solar Boys and the Sports Scribes aim to put a fitting end to the thrilling two-month action of the tournament that made its return as one of the projects of PSA President Nelson Beltran of The Philippine Star.
Tip-off of the clash is at 9:30 p.m. with the battle for third between the Say Chiz Smileys and the SGA Press Row Bros serving as an intriguing appetizer at 8 p.m.
Before that, the league’s top players are also set to be recognized in an awarding ceremony at 7 p.m.
Most Valuable Player, Mythical team and Rookie of the Year plums are among the awards to be handed out to players who performed well during the regular season.
All eyes, however, will be on the Final protagonists who split their regular season matchups which makes the showdown more interesting.
Smart came away with a nail-biting 67-66 win in the first round encounter before Capital1 exacted revenge with a 69-66 triumph in their second meeting.
Despite holding on to a twice-to-beat advantage, both teams were also made to bleed in their semifinal assignments with the top seed Solar Boys holding on to a 71-70 win over the Press Row Bros and the second seed Sports Scribes outlasting the Smileys with a 54-53 victory.
John Bryan Ulanday, who supplied 21 points in the semis win, is out to lead the charge for Capital1 alongside Aldo Avinante and Christian Jacinto.
AJ Bolando is expected to spearhead Smart with a potent crew that features Reuben Terrado, Julio Sampedro and Robert Andaya, who is fresh off a 20-point explosion, aiming to provide support.
