INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines--Defending champions San Sebastian College bowed down to Colegio de San Juan de Letran 89-84 in the NCAA juniors basketball semi-finals at the Arena in San Juan.

Jarelan Tampus buried 37 points for the Squires, who outplayed the Staglets in the last quarter of the game.

With 1 minute and seven seconds left, Jose Cabigas shot a three for the Squires to control the game 81-80. The crowd roared as Tampus shot a two despite rolling over the floor after a block from the Staglets.

"Nahirapan din talaga kami pero nagwork-out din naman 'yung defense namin," said Squires coach Elmer Latonio, adding, "Sabi ko sa kanila na we must fight until the end kahit lamang 'yung kalaban nung una."

The Squires would be dealing with San Beda College on the NCAA juniors basketball finals best-of-three series, starting on Oct.22, 2pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We have to put more effort on our defense because that's what we lacked," admitted Latonio.

The Red Cubs secured the first ticket to the finals after routing Jose Rizal University 90-76 in the first game.

The speedy duo Baser Amer and Roldan Sara fired 43 points for the Red Cubs, who outrebounded the Light Bombers 60-46.

Sara, who is in his last year in the team, said that no one is recruiting him yet.

"Wala pang nagrerecruit. Maghihintay lang ako sa opportunity but I'll join the try-outs for the Red Lions," said Sara.

The Red Cubs,who finished fifth place in Season 84, hope to get the title this season 85.

"Napakasaya na we'll be going to the finals after 3 years," said Red Cubs coach Ato Badolato, who is in his last coaching year.

Badolato said that they still have to work hard against the team who would win in game 2 today, pitting defending champions San Sebastian College against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

"We still have 50-50 chances for the championship title," said Badolato.

THE SCORES
San Beda 90--Amer 26, Sara 17, Chavez 14, Ludovice 10, Javier 8, Dela Cruz 5, Gotladera 4, Amin 3, Abatyo 3, Moralde 0, Monteclaro 0.

JRU 76--Vigil 20, Garcia 19, Oliveria 11, Saret 11, Dela Paz 11, Barranco 2, Fegidero 2, Tanquintic 0, Yasa 0.

Second Game
Letran 89--Tampus 37, Khobuntin 17, Cabigas 12, Cruz 11, Inigo 6, Cudal 6, Ongteco 0, Maravilla 0, Reyes 0.

San Sebastian 84--Delgado 30, Jumao-as 19, Pante 10, Magno 9, Estrada 8, Mendoza 7, Ramirez 1.