The Xentro Mall Rizal Golden Coolers and the Marikina Shoelanders arranged a titular showdown after outlasting their respective rivals in the division finals at the Marikina Sports Center recently.
Xentro Mall dodged a bullet from celebrity baller Gerald Anderson, who missed a potential game-tying three-point shot to survive, 90-87, and claim the provincial division title.
Missing a key player in Aljon Capbres, who is nursing a swollen thumb, the Golden Coolers had to bank on Patrick Aquino and JBoy Gob, two players coming off the bench, to provide the added offensive sources needed by the starters.
Aquino ended up with 21 points, four assists and two steals, while Gob had 10 points and five rebounds.
Troy Mallilin, a mainstay in the squad, had his usual steady game by coming away with 19 points, nine boards and three steals.
Xentro Mall Rizal, which is being handled by second generation coach Jonathan Banal, will face home squad Marikina in the National Finals.
Marikina had to grind it out before winning over Game Changer Novaliches, 81-76, as the Shoelanders copped the NCR division crown.
