By Dugout Philippines
SAN JUAN, MM--De La Salle-Zobel rode on the heroics of reserve slotman Jaime Cabarros to dethrone Ateneo, 75-67, and seal a title showdown with unbeaten National University on Monday in the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Cabarros nailed a keyhole jumper that cooled down the Blue Eaglets' fightback, giving the Junior Archers a 69-63 cushion with 1:02 remaining.
Cabarrus, who filled in for the fouled out MR Romero, then drained two charities that seal it for De La Salle-Zobel, 72-63, with 38 seconds left.
The Junior Archers will face the thrice-to-beat Bullpups in the title series on Friday at the San Juan venue.
NU, starring ace guard John Lloyd Clemente and double-double machine Justine Baltazar, swept the double-round eliminations to jump straight in the championship round.
De La Salle-Zobel, which last ruled in 2007, is making its first Finals appearance since bowing to Kiefer Ravena-led Ateneo in 2009.
"Aljun (Melecio) fouled out, Romero fouled out and we have guys stepped up. Dapat nag-break down na kami when Aljun got into foul trouble pero they just don't want to lose," said Junior Archers mentor Boris Aldeguer.
Brent Paraiso had a double-double effort of 15 points and 13 rebounds, soon-to-be crowned MVP Melecio added 14 points, six rebounds and four assists before fouling out in the final 2:10, while Miguel Fortuna had 12 points and five assists for the Junior Archers.
Mamuyac and Brian Andrade finished with 16 points apiece while SJ Belangel added 15 points for the Eaglets.
Ateneo eliminated Far Eastern University-Diliman, 84-68, in the first step-ladder last Wednesday to arrange a showdown with the twice-to-beat Junior Archers, who wound up second in the eliminations.
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