By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Malayan sent a strong signal to both Arellano and La Salle-Greenhills after blasting ICA, 112-75, in the final day of the elimination round of the NCAA juniors' basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Thursday.
The Red Robins, who locked in the second seed and the twice-to-beat advantage on Monday, quickly pummeled the Brigadiers from the start as they will enter the Final Four on a high note against either the Braves or the Greenies, who will dispute the third seed in a playoff after the end of the seniors' regular season.
Will Gozum dropped 20 points on 10-of-13 shooting to lead six Malayan players in double figures along with 11 rebounds, and one block.
Sean Oriondo led the already-eliminated ICA squad with 19 points, three rebounds, and two blocks.
In the final game of the high school regular season, JRU subdued fellow also-ran team San Sebastian, 63-60, behind 22 markers, 11 rebounds, one block, and one steal from Toby Agustin.
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