MAPUA University crushed Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, 79-58, to clinch the first finals berth in the 3rd Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) basketball championship at Lam An Sports Gym in Abad Santos, Manila.

Four players, led by John Kobe Dalisay,  scored in double-figures for the Cardinals of coach Randy Alcantara to roll back the Blue Sharks and continue their winning streak to six after sweeping the five-game elimination round in this two-month long tournament organized by Federation of School Sports Athletic Assocaition (FESSAP), headed by Edwid Fabro.

Dalisay scored 19 points, including five three pointers, for the Intramuros-0based squad.

Toby Bryan Agustin added 15 points and John Christopher Recto and Kem Sabsalon contributed 10 points apiece for the Cardinals, who have to wait for the winner between defending champion University of Perpetual Help Dalta System and Philippine Christian University.

John Boa finished with 16 points for AIMS of coach Amante Flores.

Assisting Alcantara on bench are Nani Epondulan and Yong Garcia.

Earlier, UPHDS stunned no. 2 seed PCU 73-66, to stay alive and force a play-off for the second finals berth.

The Las Piñas-based Altas relied on Shawn Michael Rey Orgo, Angelo Geisano, Joshua Ramirez in beating the Dolphins.

Orgo topscored with a game-high 29 points, followed by Geisano with 13 points and Ramirez with 12 points.

Castor Troy Manipolo and Yam Conception carried the fight for the Dolphins with 17 and 15 points, respectively.

Antonio Quiza Sr. is the commissioner, Romulo Raytos is the tournament director while Nestor Macatuno and Nanding Gayanilo head the technical commitee.

PUBL is sanctioned by Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), headed by Dr. Robert Milton Calo. AA

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