Staglets , Red Cubs barge into NCAA 88 juniors’ finals

MANILA, Philippines – Mansueto Velasco Jr. nailed the buzzer-beating triple to tow San Sebastian over College of St. Benilde, 58-55, and into the Finals of the NCAA Season 88 juniors’ basketball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Velasco, son of 1996 Olympic silver medalist in boxing Onyok, has only made one three in 13 attempts before sinking the open trey from the top-of-the-key. He finished with 12 points.

In the other semifinals game, three-time defending champion San Beda edged fourth seed Letran, 61-57, to clinch a Finals berth.

Arvin Tolentino notched 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Red Cubs, who will play the Staglets in a best-of-three championship series on October 18 at the SM Mall-of-Asia Arena.

Michael Calisaan led no.2 San Sebastian with 23 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the field to go along with 19 rebounds.

Rey Nambatac had an all-around game with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and six steals while John Quinto, the would-be rookie MVP had 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in a losing cause for the Squires, who only converted one three-pointer in 11 tries.