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| NCAA Philippines (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
San Beda staved off a slow start to blast Arellano, 87-68, in their NCAA Finals rematch at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City en route to setting up a PCCL championship showdown with La Salle.
The Red Lions, who trailed, 18-22, after the first quarter, toughened up on their defense in the final three periods, limiting the Chiefs to only 46 points the rest of the way, while erupting for 69 points to repeat their championship conquest last month.
San Beda, which is part of Group B, ended up in a tie with Group A's USC at 3-1 after the inter-group national semifinals.
The Red Lions, however, won the tiebreaker as they handed the Warriors their only loss in the Elite 8 via an 85-75 decision in Cebu City on November 15.
Arth Dela Cruz led San Beda with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, ten rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
Baser Amer, on the other hand, made all of his three triples en route to a 16-point performance with five rebounds and six assists.
Jio Jalalon virtually put the game on his own hands for Arellano as he scored a game-high 23 points in 24 field goal attempts.
He also dished out nine assists and grabbed three rebounds.
Box Scores:
San Beda 87-Dela Cruz 20, Amer 16, Adeogun 11, Mendoza 10, Soberano 9, Tankuoa 5, Presbitero 5, Koga 4, Sorela 4, Sara 3, Tongco 0
Arellano 68-Jalalon 23, Holts 12, Gumaru 10, Tano 6, Nichols 6, Meca 4, Salcedo 3, Cadavis 2, Salado 2, Ortega 0, Enriquez 0, Bangga 0, De Guzman 0
Quarterscores: 18-22, 34-35, 62-54, 87-68
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