INQUIRER Sports

GAMES THURSDAY
10:00 am San Beda vs. JRU (jrs.)
11:45 am Letran vs. San Sebastian (jrs)

MANILA, Philippines-- San Beda College thumped Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 91-77, to grab the top seed and the twice-to-beat bonus in the NCAA juniors basketball at the Arena in San Juan.

Baser Amer topscored with 25 points for the Red Cubs, who ended the eliminations with a 18-1 slate.

"I think there was something wrong with Khobuntin or he's hurting," said Red Cubs coach Ato Badolato, referring to Glenn Khobuntin being out of Letran's first five.

Squires coach Elmer Latonio confirmed that Khobuntin had a mild sprain so he did not include him in the first five.

The Red Cubs had the edge at halftime, 45-39.

Squires' shooting ace Jarelan Tampus incurred a fifth foul in the fourth quarter while guard Mark Cruz was also taken out of the court in the last quarter due to cramps.

Badolato admitted it Khobuntin's absence made it easier for them to score the win, adding there are no legitimate stars in his line-up and that he relies on all of his players to step up.

Meanwhile, Latonio vowed to face the Red Cubs in the championship.

"We will face them in the finals," said Latonio, adding the Squires were dismayed at some arguable calls by the referees.

With 17 wins and two losses, the Squires fell to number two and face defending champions San Sebastian College, who ended in third place. Latonio said they need to adjust to the Staglets' defense to get to the championship.

On the other hand, the Red Cubs need to deal with fourth placer Jose Rizal University, who seized the first game from University of Perpetual Help, 83-77.

Louie Vigil powered the Light Bombers with 33 points.

"They played their natural game but they still could use motivation," said JRU coach Boy de Vera.

De Vera said that they need to work hard in keeping the players in good condition to face the number one team in the semifinals.

San Beda and Letran are contesting the top spot in the final four. Both are strong contenders this, according to De Vera.

But De Vera joked around with San Beda College coach Ato Badolato when the latter came over to congratulate him.

"Ayaw kitang makalaban (I don't want to face you)," De Vera told Badolato.

But De Vera's joke became a reality as his team will be up against Badolato's team.

"I hope we can continue all the way. Nakita ko naman na 90 percent consistent laro ng team ko ngaun," said Badolato, who led 15 championship titles for the Red Cubs since he started in the NCAA in 1972.

Semifinals begin Friday at the Arena in San Juan.

THE SCORES
First Game
JRU 83--Vigil 33, Saret 19, Garcia 14, Dela Paz 9, Oliveria 2, Barranco 2, Tanquintic 0.

Perpetual 77--Alolino 22, Eriobu 17, Jolangcov 16, Alano 16, Lao 4, Brito 2, Saldua 0, Inigo 0, Onrubia 0, Garcia 0.

Second Game
San Beda 91--Amer 25, Sara 15, Ludovice 10, Dela Cruz 8, Amin 8, Moralde 7, Gotladera 6, Javier 6, Monteclaro 5, Nazareno 1, Chavez 0, Nayve 0, Dela Costa 0, Lunas 0.

Letran 77---Tampus 26, Cudal 14, Khobuntin 8, Reyes 7, Medina 6, Cruz 5, So 4, Inigo 3, Cabigas 2, Ongteco 2, Cabahug 0, Maravilla 0.