McGraw Hill, led by usual top gunners Dave Sablan and Kelvin Fitial, stumbled into a poor second quarter and dragged on a 30-point deficit through the second half.
Iguel, named the Finals MVP, posted a game high 28 points and scored 18 of DFS’ 28 points to lead in the opening 10 minutes.
Among other things that filled the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium this weekend, Best Coach recipient and DFS player Gabriel White describe the game as “ironic.”
“After the first game during the regular season when we played PSS, we were shorthanded. They were able to capitalize on that and they beat us by around 30 points,” he told Variety after the game.
“We knew they were a strong team. We knew that they’d come out of the playoffs. It’s just ironic that we happen to meet for the championship.”
McGraw Hill eliminated third seeded Fiesta Resort and Spa by a wide margin to reach the championship last Thursday.
Sablan however, couldn’t muster a stronger offensive and settled with 16 points. Fitial led the team on 19 points while James Villacrusis scored 10.
DFS went out in full force and thrived on back-to-back shooting from Dan Barcinas and Lizama. The duo tallied 21 and 27 points, respectively and eked out several turnovers to keep McGraw Hill at bay in the third quarter.
Overwhelmed by a huge loss from the first half, McGraw Hill outscored DFS 21-25 but failed to turn the lead in the final period.
White reappeared for a last layup and went 4-for-8 in free throws to garner six points. Iguel, taking a slight hit to the head after halftime, wore a white headband while adding six points before the buzzer. DFS shot ahead, 87-58 after Lizama’s crowd-roaring triple with 2:10 remaining.
“We just stuck to a basic 2-3 zone and we knew what they’d run on offense and defense. They had a 2-2-1 press, which is what we shared with everyone on the team to try and break. On offense they ran a simple motion – that’s pretty basic stuff that they teach basketball teams. We were able to get some quick picks and easy steals,” said White.
DFS faced the finals without Quincy Johnson, who couldn’t play due to a leg injury.
“We knew we had to step up on another guard and Dan Barcinas stepped up really well. He was amazing,” answered White when asked about Johnson’s absence.
Junar Guiab scored eight points and Won Joo Jung earned two to aid DFS’ rally.
“Thank you to DFS and all the fans for being very supportive. Everybody played very well and we stayed together throughout the entire game,” said White.
Sighs of relief had earlier flooded DFS after ousting Mobil in last week’s semifinals.
In the post-game awards ceremony, Lizama joined the league’s Mythical Five and was joined by Fiesta’s Elmer Esdrelon, Mobil’s Jun Estolas, Shirley’s Coffee Shop’s Kae Bernardo, and Dave Sablan.
Sablan was also awarded the Regular Season MVP.
Other recognized individuals were: Ferdie Tobias (Best in Assist), Ponce Rasa (Best in Shot Block), Randy Mungcal (Best in Steal), Bernardo (Best in Rebound), Esdrelon (Best in 3 Points), Sablan (Best in Scoring), and JR Barrios (Best in Free Throw).
Team GPPC received the Sportsmanship Award while Mobil and Fiesta each won third place.
Scores:
DFS Galleria 92 – P. Igual 28, J. Lizama 27, D. Barcinas 21, J. Guiab 8, G. White 6, W. Jung 2
PSS-McGraw Hill 63 – K. Fitial 19, D. Sablan 16, J. Villacrusis 10, M. Manibusan 8, W. Mendez 4, L. Buniag 3, M. Itibus 2, P. Guerrero 1
Quarterscores: 28-15, 51-27, 71-38, 92-63
