MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle-College of St. Benilde ousted San Sebastian, 76-72, in the stepladder semifinal round to barge into the finals of the NCAA Season 89 juniors basketball tournament Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Juniors MVP Prince Rivero showed the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Greenies, who arranged a championship meeting with defending champion San Beda Red Cubs.
“No one expected us to be here,” said LSGH head coach John Flores. “But we’re here so we’re just going to make the most out of it.”
Game 1 of the Finals starts on Monday with the Red Cubs, who are eyeing their fifth championship in a row, owning a “thrice-to-beat edge” after sweeping the double round eliminations.
The Greenies, who made the finals for the second time in three years, worked their way back from 10 points down early behind the efforts of Rivero, Alex Barrera, Michael dela Cruz and Kobe Paras.
Barrera also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds while dela Cruz and Paras added 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Despite having just little time to prepare against the formidable San Beda squad, Flores thinks his team’s new found confidence will help them along the way.
“I’m counting that the renewed confidence that we have and the high spirits we’re enjoying will carry over against San Beda.”