#Masters2019: PNP sweeps 35-and-above with win over Gourmet MNL

QUEZON CITY -- PNP locked in its place in the 35-and-above division title game of the 2019 Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament after surviving a dogfight with Gourmet Manila 80-70 Thursday evening at the own floor in Camp Crame,

The Responders had to hack out a close win to sweep their elimination round assignments, sealing their place in the championship game tonight after a close contest.

SPO2 Julius Criste led PNP in scoring for the third straight time, after leading them with 19 points on a 41% field goal shooting, with PO2 Ricardo Cabrera, Jr. chipping in 13.

PO2 Ronaldo Abaya only came up with 8 points and 6 rebounds, but his defense in the paint earned him the player of the game honors as he blocked a game-high five shots to collect 33.5 statistical points in just 16 minutes of action.

Decky Dequilla had 19 for the now 0-3 Gourmet MNL whose opponent will be known later in the bronze-medal match.

The scores:

PNP 80 -- Criste 19, Cabrera 13, Abaya 8, Villanueva 8, Serrano 7, Dia 6, Nicolas 4, Misola 4 Albaña 4, Bayabao 4, Dalogdog 3, Flormata 0, Cabahug 0

Gourmet Manila 70 -- Dequilla 19, Castro 12, Agustin 8, Gesile 7, Miguel 7, Avergonzado 6, Salazar 6, Ferrer 5

Quarter scores: 22-11, 32-36, 62-58, 80-70

(Photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)