Rhinos, Bears set up title duel in Elite hoopla

The Gothong Shipping Lines Rhinos and Sherilin Bears downed separate rivals in contrasting fashion to arrange a championship showdown in the Elite Basketball Club Cebu Season 18 at the new Casals Village gym in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

The Rhinos were pushed to the limit before eking out a 109106 victory over the Prime Movers Logistics Eagles.

Versatile guard Shane Menina showed the way for the Rhinos with 35 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Theo Joshua Flores also made his presence felt with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals for the Rhinos. Ruben Ludovice chipped in 16 markers on top of 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Joshua De la Cerna paced the Eagles with 32 points, 17 rebounds and three assists. John Abad added 21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals while the “Cebuano Rocket” Miguel Gastador banged in 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals but their efforts went down the drain.

In the other semis duel, James Ferraren unloaded 20 points laced with eight rebounds and six assists to power the Bears to a masterful 107-86 demolition of the Aneda Builders Falcons.

Sam Hermosa backed up Ferraren with 18 points and six rebounds followed by Zylle Cabellon with 16 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Christian Floyd Taboada charted 21 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Falcons, while Axel Rabaya and Frederick Añabieza connived for 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a losing cause. —