La Salle-Zobel, CKSC book PSSBC semis slots

LA SALLE-ZOBEL and Chiang Kai Shek College booked their seats in the Final Four in the fourth Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup yesterday at Philippine Buddhacare Academy in Quezon City.

The Juniors Archers were tested in the first three quarters before pouring on the heat in the payoff period on the way to scoring a 90-74 over the Mapua Red Robins.

CKSC, on the other hand, leaned on Miguel Oczon, Sham Banez and Jonas Tibayan to oust Lyceum, 85-56.

Chiang Kai Shek College will next face either reigning champion San Beda College or Arellano, who were playing their quarterfinal duel at presstime. La Salle Zobel will battle the winner of the quarterfinal showdown between Hope Christian and Xavier School.

After winning their first two games by an average of 44.5 points, the Juniors Archers experienced some scary moments until Miguel Fortuna sparked an 11-1 run that enabled them to pull away for good.

Aljun Melecio finished off the job for the Junior Archers as he dissected the hapless Red Robin defense with his shifty daredevil drives to the basket.

Melecio finished with 28 points and seven assists, Fortuna and Marvin Sario chipped in 12 markers apiece while Brent Paraiso had 10 points.

Galinato buried all his three points to finish with 19 points with Oczon backing him up with 12 markers.