PRIORITY Care secured a spot in the Open Division finals of the 2025 IT&E United Filipino Organization Basketball League by defeating A+ Consulting, 110-102, in a semifinal game at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
Priority Care had a dominant start, controlling the pace with excellent ball movement and strong defensive coverage. Chioni Dela Cruz and Steve King powered the team through the first 10 minutes, combining for 13 points, while teammates Francisco Mizutani and Tony Kim contributed to keep the team afloat.
As for A+, Ervin Villarin drained two treys, while Jack Lizama, Douglas Schmidt, and Preston Basa contributed their share of long-range buckets in an effort to stay within reach. However, they were unable to stop Priority Care’s onslaught and eventually fell behind by double digits going into halftime, 55-45.
In the second half, A+ adjusted to curb Priority Care’s offensive output and came close to success, but Airson Atan sparked a scoring spree alongside Dela Cruz. Together, they combined for 13 points in the first 10 minutes to maintain a safe lead.
A+ unleashed a flurry of triples in the final possessions, but they couldn’t close the gap as Priority Care’s Marvin Rabauliman took over with 10 points, carrying his team to a 110-102 victory and securing their spot in the finals, where they will face New Changming for the championship.
Scores:
Priority Care 110 – Chioni Dela Cruz 29, Steve King 26, Airson Atan 18, Marvin Rabauliman 12, Tony Kim 9, Francisco Mizutani 6, Emmanuel Bondad 4, Jeffrey Castro 2, Matthew Duenas 2
A+ Consulting 102 – Preston Basa 31, Douglas Schmidt 22, Ervin Villarin 11, Jack Lizama 11, Andrew Ashburn 9, Don Brennan 9, Craig Padayao 6, John Thongaram 5
Priority Care’s Emmanuel Bondad extends for the uncontested finish during a semifinal game against A+ Consulting in the Open Division of the 2025 IT&E United Filipino Organization Basketball League at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Priority Care’s Chioni Dela Cruz finishes the reverse layup during a semifinal game against A+ Consulting in the Open Division of the 2025 IT&E United Filipino Organization Basketball League at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
