In the end, it’s Nueva Ecija.
Undermanned, but not lacking in fighting heart, the Capitals refocused and regathered their resolve in outlasting Davao Occidental, 89-82, in the PSL President’s Cup at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday.
Rob Celiz finished with a double-double performance of 24 points and 11 rebounds while Michael Juico and Emman Calo also stepped up big when needed to make up for the absence of key players Michael Mabulac, Hesed Gabo and Roi Sumang among others as the Capitals arranged an exciting best-of-three semifinals series with San Juan Kings.
Will McAloney also posted a double-double showing of 20 points and 10 boards while Chris Bitoon contributed 11 markers and nine assists as the 11-man roster of the Capitals came out ready to compete and endure the challenge of the Tigers.
“Maraming nangyari sa team. We only have 11 players, so I really need to step up. Hindi lang naman ako – si Will, si Emman, si Juico, so it’s a total team effort,” said Celiz.
Don Dulay, the two-time champion coach, who previously handled Davao Occidental, can now heave a sigh of relief taking the Capitals to the next round.
The Tigers defeated the Capitals two nights ago, 90-86, to set up a rubber match, but Dulay summed up the difference in this latest win.
“The difference was we made big shots,” added Dulay. “I’m glad I’ve got good players on my side. Nothing to take away from Davao, they gave us a good fight, but we made the (big) shots.”
Now comes the ultimate prize and that’s the Kings, the first team to make it to the Final Four and it’s going to be a working Holy Week for Dulay and his troops as they prepare for the team which defeated them in the elimination round.
