INTER PICK-UP LEAGUE FINALS PREVIEW: BORN READY BRACES FOR TOUGH CHALLENGE AHEAD IN FINALS CLASH WITH AFTERSHOCK FOR THE RECREATIONAL DIVISION TITLE

Back in May 26, 2019 (Sunday) at The Upper Deck Lifestyle Center, Tier One Born Ready escaped Aftershock in their opening day clash, 57-54. DJ Cuasay took home the player of the game honors after finishing the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Finishing at the top of the team standings is not the end of the road for Born Ready. As they are just a win away from the crown, expect a high octane tempo once they hit the hardwood and make their final bid for the crown.

Aftershock, on the other hand, will gun for glory in the finals stage to avenge a painful loss against the same foe they face, dating back to the opening day of the tournament. With overflowing confidence after a morale-boosting win in the knockout playoffs, they are now ready to conquer the recreational level.

Team Analysis

Tier One Born Ready's mob fire power:

A puzzle that is yet to be solved is Born Ready's weapons on all aspects of the game. It's one thing to have a one-two punch or a trio trouble to power you through tough games, but how about having nine gunners who can all erupt at the same time and fire from all cylinders?

The top dogs punched their finals ticket after an 85-59 semis victory, behind a collective effort that saw six players score in double figures. Player of the game, Ellis Chua had 12 points, Gian Rcelis and Jon Nery also had 12 markers each, DJ Cuasay added 13 markers while James Alba and Benzar Balagtas each delivered 10 points in the win.

This is what the team is all about - all of them will work their butts off, night-in and night-out. And this type of chemistry was very evident in their semifinals clash against Workwear.

Aftershock's underrated defense:

Like a volcano waiting to erupt, Aftershock banked on their defense against the Legends back in the knockout semifinals and exploded on the offensive end as they rout their way to the finals.

With all players understanding their respective roles in the team, success came almost effortlessly in all the games they won in the elimination round. A mindset which contributed a lot in their playoff bid.

To win the finals game against Born Ready, they will need another spectacular production from their bench and continuous havoc from their main man Ed Dela Torre and the Gorriceta brothers John and Lorenzo.

Their finals duel for the Inter Pick-Up League Recreational Division crown will take place at the historic The Upper Deck Lifestyle Center (East) on August 4, 2019 (Sunday) at 7:00pm.