Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
It will be San Beda and Lyceum for all the marbles once again.
Sans Robert Bolick, the Red Lions leaned on Javee Mocon to escape Ateneo, 57-52, and advance to the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Finals Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Mocon led the way with 21 points and four rebounds to make up for the absence of Bolick, who sat out due to minor knee issues.
“I really commend my players for stepping up in the absence of Robert,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, who will face the Pirates in the finals. “It’s really a big shoes to fill for us with Robert out.”
Donald Tankoua scored eight of his 15 markers, including the go-ahead three-point play with 51.0 seconds remaining to give San Beda a 55-52 lead. The Nigerian also got 13 rebounds and a huge block on Thirdy Ravena in the waning seconds.
San Beda will renew its rivalry against Lyceum, which knocked off San Sebastian in the other semifinals duel, on Thursday, still at the Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions swept the Pirates in the NCAA Season 93 Finals three months ago.
Ateneo banked on the leadership of Ravena, who had 11 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 57 — Mocon 21, Tankoua 15, Soberano 6, Cabanag 4, Penuela 4, Abuda 3, Doliguez 2, Ejercito 2, Bahio 0, Ndzana 0, Oftana 0, Presbitero 0, Tongco 0.
ATENEO 52 — Ravena 11, Verano 8, Maagdenberg 7, Ma. Nieto 7, Asistio 3, Tio 3, White 3, Go 2, Mallillin 2, Mamuyac 2, Mendoza 2, Mi. Nieto 2, Andrade 0.
Quarters: 12-9, 27-20, 37-37, 57-52.