HIGH school champions San Beda and National University arranged a title showdown in the 2016 SM-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Pulling away early, the Red Cubs overpowered Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 86-75, to advance to the Division 1 Finals of the tournament that gathers the top juniors teams in the country.
Evan Nelle pumped in 16 points and Sam Abuhijleh posted a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Red Cubs.
“We hope for the same good start, but we also hope that we can sustain it,” said San Beda coach JB Sison as the Red Cubs clash with the Bullpups in the Finals at 11 a.m. today also at MOA Arena.
The Bullpups staged a second-quarter breakaway to drub Chiang Kai Shek College, 72-49, in the other semifinal match.
Justine Baltazar led NU with 28 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
The scores:
First Game
NU 72—Baltazar 28, Clemente 13, Sarip 11, Atienza 6, Manalang 4, Amsali 4, Penano 3, Coyoca 2, Beldua 1, Tolentino 0, Callejo 0, Jugar 0, Fortea 0, Mosqueda 0, Careng 0.
CKSC 49—Oczon 13, Ramirez 11, Banez 6, Galinato 4, Lim 4, Minerva 2, Tibayan 2, Montes 2, Toribio 2, Jamjam 2, Luciano 1, King 0, Gicana 0.
Quarters: 13-16, 36-21, 58-34, 72-49
Second Game
SAN BEDA 86—Nelle 16, Abuhijleh 16, Tagala 9, Bordeos 8, Etrata 8, Lagumen 8, Alfaro 7, Mahinay 6, Dela Rosa 3, Velasquez 3, Nayve 2, Barbero 0.
SHS-ATENEO 75—Pastor 22, Mantua 14, Velasco 13, Colonia 7, Calumpang 6, Bersaluna 5, Cutamora 4, Nacua 3, Manaytay 1, Yu 0, Javelosa 0, Visser 0, Chua 0.
Quarters: 28-15, 50-33, 69-61, 86-75