LA SALLE and San Beda avenged their stunning losses in a big way yesterday to stay in the title hunt in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Green Archers blasted Far Eastern University, 80-60, while the Red Lions cruised to a 77-49 rout of Southwestern University on the second day of the round-robin Final Four.
“We really wanted to make a statement that we’re not just after one championship and we’re done,” San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said of his four-time NCAA titlist.
With all four teams toting 1-1 records, the last day of the Final Four tomorrow will be a virtual knockout contests for the two championship berths.
Matt Salem emerged as La Salle’s surprise performer as the sweet-shooting rookie fired 17 points on a notable 7-of-9 clip and grabbed nine rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
“It was just how I rotated the players yesterday, not everyone was in proper shape,” said coach Juno Sauler after his UAAP champions rebounded from an upset loss to the Cebu-based Cobras, 58-68, in overtime last Monday.
“In today’s game, we made sure that no one will tire out.”
The Red Lions jumped to a 23-7 start and held down SWU stars Mac Tallo and Monbert Arong to a combined four points just a day after the duo teamed up for 30 against the Archers.
The scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 77—Adeogun 22, K. Pascual 14, Dela Cruz 10, Dela Rosa 8, A. Semerad 7, Amer 5, Sara 3, Ludovice 2, Villaruz 2, Mendoza 2, D. Semerad 1, Abatayo 1, Bonsubre 0, Abarcar 0, Koga 0.
SOUTHWESTERN 49—Sanjo 13, Siewe 9, Goloran 8, Mohammed 6, Bautista 3, Tallo 2, Ortega 2, Holper 2, Arong 2, Bregondo 2, Pardo 0, Panerio 0.
Quarters: 23-7, 37-24, 65-38, 77-49
Second Game
LA SALLE 80—Salem 17, Teng 13, Vosotros 11, Bollick 10, N. Torres 6, Tampus 5, Perkins 4, Reyes 4, T. Torres 3, Dela Paz 3, Montalbo 2, Van Opstal 2.
FEU 60—Pogoy 14, Mendoza 14, Hargrove 12, Jose 7, Cruz 6, Tolomia 4, Luz 2, Aguilon 1, Lee Yu 0, Iñigo 0, Dennison 0, Delfinado 0, Sentcheu 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 49-31, 67-41, 80-60