MANILA, Philippines—Halting the momentum, San Beda nipped St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills, 74-73, and moved on the cusp of bagging the 87th NCAA juniors basketball title Monday.
Daryl Nazareno’s split from the freethrow line with eight ticks left was enough to carry the Red Cubs through to a victory, which puts them at 1-0 in a best-of-three series.
Nazareno finished with 16 points, five rebounds and three steals for San Beda, which is gunning for a third straight title in the juniors division.
San Beda lost a 1-0 advantage in a virtual best-of-five finals joust, which was an incentive for sweeping the eliminations, after it was outclassed by La Salle last week, 82-85.
Both teams fought tooth and nail in the last 60 seconds, trading baskets until Nazareno was fouled on his attempt for a basket.
Mythical Five member Francis Abarcar slotted in 21 points and six rebounds while former youth team standout Arvin Tolentino towered over with 19 points and 12 boards.
Rising forward Andre Paras, whose hustle in game one salvaged the Greenies, pumped in eight points but fouled out in the last minute.
La Salle’s star Jon Villaruz, who tied the game at 73-all, topscored with 20 points.