MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian punctuated a perfect season with a 77-70 victory over Letran for a fourth straight NCAA juniors title yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Arvie Bringas, 18, showed the form that makes him the next big player to come out of the Staglets’ den, exploding for 30 points and 16 rebounds.
The 6-foot-5 Bringas scored 18 points in the second half to keep the Squires at bay and earn the Finals Most Valuable Player award.
But it was Almond Vosotros who knocked in the crucial baskets that finally put away the Squires, who threatened, 71-68, with 1:25 left.
Hounded by foul trouble, Vosotros banked in two jumpers from inside 12 feet to give the Staglets a comfortable 75-68 advantage with 48 seconds remaining.
“I’m proud of my boys,” said Staglets coach Raymund Valenzona. “They didn’t give up. They were in foul trouble but they were able to adjust.”
The win completed a 14-game sweep for the Staglets, including an 83-81 victory in Game 1 of the finals.
San Sebastian will have nine players, including its starting five of Bringas, Vosotros, Jamil Ortuoste, Yutien Andrada and Raffy Gusi no longer eligible next year.
“I don’t want to think about next year right now,” said Valenzona, who turns 34 on Saturday.
The scores:
SSC 77—Bringas 30, Vosotros 19, Ortuoste 8, Gusi 7, Cam 5, Delgado F. 4, Delgado J. 2, Andrada 2.
LETRAN 70—Alas 20, Sumang 18, Khobuntin 14, Tampus 14, Sugahara 2, Roxas 2, Reyes 0, Ongteco 0, Satairapan 0.
Quarters: 20-12, 37-30, 58-55, 77-70