Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be represented in the upcoming PSL Global Championship Challenge by Davao City and Cebu-USJR, which hurdled their respective rivals Thursday in the National Finals at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Cebu-USJR survived another explosive showing from ex-Batang Gilas player Jeremy Godoy, but the Cebuanos won’t take no for an answer as they outplayed Pangasinan, 83-71, behind a strong fourth quarter.
The Cebuanos outscored the Pangasinense, 30-17, in that crucial stretch, which propelled them to win the Born 2006 division of the National Finals and secure a seat in the Global Championship Challenge.
Davao City completed the winner’s circle by outdueling crosstown rival Davao Occidental, 80-64, and earned the right to represent the Philippines in the major international tournament, which unfurls on July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Global Championship Challenge serves as the flagship event of the Pilipinas Super League.
John Eimrod Rodulfa dished out an MVP performance as he flirted with a triple-double showing.
The shifty guard finished with 30 points, dished out 12 assists and grabbed nine boards, a fitting way to cap the tournament where he led his team to a win in the National Finals, where he captured the Most Valuable Player award.
Keith Marquez was also a key contributor as he wound up with 16 markers, while Junel Balansag added 13.
Aside from Rodulfa, other players who also won the MVP in their respective divisions are Yujin Peña of Pampanga (Born 2008) and Jan Oringo of Cebu-USJR (Born 2006).
