Hope Christian, San Sebastian set up PSSBC finals meeting

MANILA, Philippines—Hope Christian and San Sebastian used a fiery fourth quarter attack to eliminate separate foes in the 1st Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) at the Chiang Kai Shek gym in Manila.

HCDC leaned on Jollo Go’s fourth quarter explosion for overcome Letran Squires, 67-60, to get a crack at the title in the tournament’s inaugural year.

Go scattered all his 14 points in the payoff period where the Hope Christians turned the tables in their favor, after trailing 41-44 at the end of third.

Clint Doliguez had 22 points, 10 rebounds and two assists while John Apacible added a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

The Squires was led by Rey Nambatac’s 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists but on a losing cause.

San Sebastian, meanwhile, nipped rival San Beda Red Cubs, 75-71, in the other match to set up a meeting with Hope Christian.

Ryan Costelo had 10 of his 15 in the fourth, while Rhandzel Yong poured nine of his team best 21 points to carry the Staglets.

Yong also had 10 big rebounds to best the standouts from the Energen youth squad who are manning the fort for the Red Cubs.

Arvin Tolentino finished with 13 points, Javee Mocon and Joshua Caracut 11 points apiece for San Beda.