BATAAN — University of Perpetual Help Dalta System and Philippine Christian University pulled off similar impressive victories to arrange a winner-take-all title showdown in the 2nd Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) at the Bataan Peninsula State University gym in Balanga City.

The Altas rode on the troika of Jielo Razon, John Abis and Christian Pagaran to beat Technological University of the Philippines, 85-69, and book the first finals seat.

The Dolphins relied on Lionel Failon, Jhon Loyd Balvarin, Mark Edison Ordonez and Edward Neil Veloso to eliminate Mapua University, 89-81, and earn the right to meet the Altas in the finals.

The Altas have the advantage as they beat the Dolphins, 103-81, in their first meeting on the last day of elimination.

Razon, one of the most dependable scorers in the tournament, scored 15 of his team-high 20 points in the second half.

Abis finished with 17 points while Pagaran had 16 points for the Las Pinas based squad of coach Mike Saguiguit and assistant coach Stephen Mopera.

Reynen Taripe scored 15 points for the Grayhawks of coach Arlene Rodriguez. David Brian Magbanua and John Paul Bayani contributed 10 points apiece.

Failon, a 6-3 forward-center. finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Balvarin added 17 points, Ordonez had 16 and Veloso had 12 for the Oscar Simon mentored Dolphins.

Jose Adrian Antonio and Yam Conception also played well for PCU, with Antonio’s timely baskets and Conception’s defensive stand putting an end to Mapua last-ditch rally.

The Dolphins, who are being supported by .sports directress Martha Beata F. Ijiran and team manager Arch. Reynaldo Punongbayan, are seeking to snatch the crown. AA

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