DE LA SALLE Zobel crushed Hope Christian High School, 110-66, and clinched the first final berth in the 2015 Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup yesterday at SGS gym in Quezon City.
The Junior Archers struck hard right from the start through their patented press, forcing Hope to commit turnovers which they converted into easy baskets that set the tone for the most lopsided win in the weeklong tournament.
Working through guards Aljun Melecio and Marvin Sario, the Junior Archers posted a 26-point lead at the half and were never threatened.
Robert Mariano then took over the scoring cudgels as he scored eight points in the third period, responding to every Hope rally.
DLSZ will face the winner of the San Beda College-Chiang Kai Shek College match in the final of the tournament also sponsored by MEC Networks, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego, IronconBuilders, Dickies Underwear, Rain or Shine and Blackwater Sports with Molten as official ball.
The winner-take-all match is scheduled at SGS gym in Araneta Ave. in Quezon City at 2:45 p.m. today.
“It all started with our defense,” said DLSZ coach Boris Aldguer. “Offense is very unpredictable so it all started from there.”
Mariano finished with 17 points and eight rebounds for the Junior Archers.
Sario, Melecio and Migs Fortunal had 14 apiece. In all, the three guards combined for 20 assists.
Ryan Quiambao led the Soldiers with 19 points and six boards as Harvey Pagsanjan was limited to 12 points.
They also had a total of 34 turnovers which the Junior Archers converted into 33 points.