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| Ola Adeogun struggled the entire game, but he had backup in his team's win. (file photo) |
By Alex Cerado
PASAY--Five-time NCAA defending champion San Beda College showed its mastery and upended Jose Rizal University, 78-68, to return to the Finals anew at the Mall of Asia Arena Tuesday.
The Red Lions won in their tenth straight Final Four appearance and will face the Letran Knights, the team they defeated in Season 88 and 89 championship series.
With the Red Lions struggling to find their rhythm, Acee Soberano fired up two consecutive three-pointers with less than two minutes in the third quarter to give them the lead, 49-48.
JRU tried to retaliate but experience was on the side San Beda after erecting a 7-0 rally in the final period to pull away for good.
Soberano finished with 10 points, four rebounds and an assist, while Marco Balagtas piloted JRU in a losing bid with 14 markers and 6 boards.
The much-awaited best-of-three champion series will start on Friday at the same venue.
Box Scores:
San Beda 78–Amer 11, Sara 11 Soberano 10, Tankoua 10, Mocon 8, Sorela 7, Adeogun 5, Dela Cruz 5, Tongco 4, Koga 3, Reyes 2, Presibitero 2, Cabañag 0, Bonsubre 0, Sedillo 0
JRU 68–Balagtas 14, Poutouchi 12, Teodoro 9, Dela Paz 8, Estrella 8, Astilla 6, Pontejos 3, Abdul Wahab 3, Lasquety 2, Sanchez 0, Grospe 0
Quarterscores: 17-19, 30-32, 56-53, 78-68
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