By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--Arellano put an end to San Beda's long winning streak with a 72-68 victory in Game 2 of their NCAA boys' basketball finals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.
The Braves immediately opened a double-digit lead, and they held on despite the Red Cubs' rallies to steal the win.
Carlo Abadeza tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal for Arellano, which still needs to win two more times to steal the title from San Beda.
Sam Abuhijeh tallied 16 markers, 13 boards, and one swipe of his own for San Beda, which forced the stepladder playoff format by sweeping the 18-game elimination round and needed to win on Tuesday to complete the full 20-0 season sweep.
The result extended the finals series to a third game on Thursday at the same venue.
Box Scores:
Arellano 72-Abadeza 16, Dela Torre 15, Bataller 9, Sunga 7, Calapine 7, Tamayo 5, Velasco 5, Dañas 4, Espiritu 2, Fornis 2
San Beda 68-Abuhijeh 16, Nelle 15, Bordeus 13, Velasquez 6, Nayve 4, Mahinay 4, Tagala 3, Lagumen 3, Erata 2, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 0
Quarterscores: 25-13, 41-35, 57-49, 72-68