NBTC: Kai Sotto, Ateneo dodge upset, withstand Lyceum-Cavite

Kai Sotto. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Fifth-seed Ateneo-Quezon City eluded an upset after escaping Lyceum-Cavite, 86-84, in the Chooks-to-Go NBTC National Finals Tuesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kai Sotto had 35 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Blue Eaglets, who arranged a showdown with 12th seed FilAm Sports USA on Wednesday.

Forthsky Padrigao hit the go-ahead basket with 46 seconds left to finish with 17 points on top of six assists.

“What I like most about the game is that our opponent is a very strong and competitive team. They’re from the NCAA so our players really got tested,” said Ateneo head coach Reggie Varilla.

“Kudos to the boys. We weren’t able to practice that much because it’s exam week last week but they were trying But I think we could have done a better job,” Varilla, whose team blew a 14-point lead, added.

The Junior Pirates had a chance to tie but Mac Guadana couldn’t get a shot off as time expired.

John Barba led the Junior Pirates with 18 points and five rebounds while Guadana had 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

No. 26 Sta. Clarita International School-Iloilo was the lowest-ranked team to advance to the Supreme 16 after it beat Cebu’s Uniersity of San Jose-Recoletos, 89-75.

Steven Tono and Wilmer Dalumpines combined for 19 points in the fourth quarter where Sta. Clarita outscored the Jaguars, 28-10.

Fourth-seed San Beda leaned on Rhayyan Amsali and Tony Ynot to beat 29th seed Holy Trinity-Gen Santos to also secure a spot in the Supreme 16.

Amsali tallied 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals in just 16 minutes of action while Ynot finished with 15 points.

Third-seed Southwestern University-PHINMA of Cebu dominated 30th seed Dolores National High School-Eastern Samar, 103-49.

Harvey Sanchez scored 20 points for the Baby Cobras, who will face the 14th seed Top Flight-Vancouver.