Arellano University continued to live up to its billing after eking out an 86-79 win over last year's runner-up De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Green Hills in the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
The twice-to-beat Braves, who finished second in Group A with an 8-5 card, are now in the semifinals for the first time since Season 92 in 2016 while the Greenies closed out their campaign.
Like in their previous outings, Arellano flaunted its depth on the way to the victory.
Aaron Manansala and MVP frontrunner Sean Franco both turned in double-doubles with the former posting 22 points and 10 rebounds while the latter registered 16 markers and 13 boards.
Ray Ladica chipped in 15 points laced with seven rebounds and four steals as Axel Mendoza and Chris Dy chimed in with 12 and 11 markers each to help Arellano return to the Final Four after nine years.
Jaime Hizon paced LSGH with 26 points while Josef Calo-oy had 14 markers and seven rebounds, but the Greenies fell short as they ended their redemption tour following a bridesmaid finish last season.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
