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Luis Velasco contributed nine points in the win. Rejj Sibayan (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--La Salle Greenhills put an abrupt conclusion to Lyceum High School's surprise NCAA juniors run with an 88-71 win in the first round of a virtually extended stepladder playoffs at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.
Batang Gilas standout Ricci Rivero scorched for 40 points on 12-of-27 shooting for the Greenies, who immediately mauled the Junior Pirates from the start to move on to the stepladder playoffs proper.
LSGH will next face Arellano in a battle for third on Friday at the same venue, where the winner will battle Malayan for the right to face San Beda, which forced the stepladder format by sweeping the 18-game eliminations, in the finals.
McLaude Guadaña led Lyceum, which vastly improved from its first two seasons in the league when the team was at some points getting bludgeoned by more than 100 points, with 16 markers, nine boards, four assists, and one steal.
Box Scores:
LSGH 88-Rivero 40, Herrera 12, Velasco 9, Madrigal 8, Ollano 7, Manuel 5, Bunyi 4, Pedrosa 2, Lanot 1 Lepalam 0
Lyceum 71-Guadaña 16, Santos 13, Cecilio 12, Cunanan 9, Salazar 7, Wong 6, Camacho 4, Jungco 4, Udal 0, Umpad 0
Quarterscroed: 29-18, 51-41, 68-52, 88-71
Follow the writer on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Follow the writer on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno