Newcomer Santi Santillan completed a three-point play with 10 seconds remaining to lift UAAP champion La Salle to a thrilling 100-99 victory over Lyceum and forge a title duel with San Beda in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
A recruit from University of the Visayas, who is set to make his debut in the UAAP this season, Santillan was at the right place at the right time, capping a wild sequence with a lay-up while drawing a foul as the Green Archers survived a gutsy stand by the Pirates, who nearly completed a comeback from 12 points down in the final period at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Flashing a balanced offensive, San Beda turned back Jose Rizal U, 80-66, in the other semifinal match.
Pint-sized playmaker Aljun Melecio exploded for 30 points, while Ricci Rivero and Ben Mbala combined for 51 for the Archers. “This is a good game for us, because we learned a lot with having composure with our decision making,” said La Salle coach Aldin Ayo.