MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian squeaked past defending champion Ateneo, 70-69, to nail a spot in the finals of the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at The Arena in San Juan.
San Beda, meanwhile, gained steam in the fourth quarter to rule over University of Cebu, 83-77, and kept its chances of setting up a finals meet with nemesis San Sebastian.
The Stags, spearheaded by NCAA’s reigning MVP Calvin Abueva, went on a crippling 17-4 run to seal the victory versus the Blue Eagles and also be the twice-to-beat advantage in the finals.
San Sebastian locked the incentive because of the win-over-the-other rule in case of tie breaks.
Abueva powered his way through with 20 points and 11 rebounds as he shouldered the cudgels for San Sebastian, which lost Ronald Pascual to a possible Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in the win over the Red Lions Monday.
The Red Lions, who will have to conquer the Blue Eagles on Friday for the remaining slot in the finals, fended off the pesky UC Webmasters and leaned on impressive showing of guards Rome Dela Rosa, Mar Villahermosa and Baser Amer, in the fourth quarter.
Dela Rosa finished with a game-best 25 points, along with six rebounds and five assists for San Beda, which played sans star guard Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual and the Semerad twins.