St. Benilde, San Beda set up finals clash in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines—Luis Sinco scored crucial baskets in the final minute to steer College of St. Benilde-A past Letran, 63-61, in the semifinal round of the 9th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament.

Sinco poured 17 points — six in the final minute including two go-ahead freethrows in the last five ticks which allowed the Blazers to barge into the finals set next weekend.

Mark Romero showed the way with 24 points for St. Benilde, forcing a 56-all deadlock with 1:53 left, but it was Sinco who kept the Blazers out of harm’s way down the stretch.

The Knights had a chance to snatch the game, but Nambatac’s triple missed its mark as the buzzer sounded.

“Nahirapan kami. Buti na lang, hindi sila sumuko,” said new head coach Gabby Velasco.

San Beda, meanwhile, breezed past Arellano, 75-65, behind Rome de la Rosa and Olaide Adeogun to earn another shot at the crown this season.