San Beda trounces JRU for sixth straight NCAA finals appearance

Their deeper bench once more got it done for defending champion San Beda College as they eliminated Jose Rizal University, 83-74 to clinch the first finals berth of the 87th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. Four Red Lions led by Rome de la Rosa with 17 points scored in double figures for the Mendiola-based dribblers to spearhead their team to their sixth straight finals appearance.

De la Rosa combined with Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual and Garvo Lanete in the second period for a total of 23 points for an 11-point lead at halftime , 47-36, before Kyle Pascual and rookie Baser Amer took the scoring cudgels in the second half. The three big guys of San Beda, Marcelo, Kyle Pascual and Jake Pascual finished with double-double performances. Marcelo posted 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocks while Kye Pascual contributed 14 points and 10 caroms and Jake Pascual added 10 points and 11 caroms. “It’s a very hard win. I give credit to Vergel (Meneses). JRU is a well coached team. Kita naman hanggang sa dulo pinipilit nilang makabalik," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. “Good thing my players have the heart and my second stringers were also able to deliver." Down by as much as 16-points, 52-68 in the final minute of the third period, Fil-Am Nate Matute came up with an 8-point cluster highlighted by back-to-back treys to trim the gap to 60-68 going into the payoff period. John Lopez scored six straight points as JRU put up their last gallant stand cutting the lead down to six, 72-78 with still 1:07 left. The Heavy Bombers visibly affected by fatigue made only one field goal out of their last six attempts. Matute topscored for the Heavy Bombers with 21 points while Alex Almario and Lopez chipped in 12 points apiece. The Red Lions will face the winner between Letran and San Sebastian in a best of three finals series which will start on Monday-October 24. - OMG, GMA News