The Benilde-LSGH Greenies are marching their way into the NCAA Juniors Basketball Finals after eliminating the defending champs Letran Squires, 78-77, with returning ace player Guillian Quines sinking the game-winner.

The return of Quines, the Greenies’ top scorer and the league’s second best, proved to be miraculous for the Greenies, who had to overcome a’ twice-to-beat disadvantage in the hands of the squires. 

Down by only one with 10.6 seconds left in regulation after two Daniel Padilla free throws, Quines curled off a pick from Ram Sharma, received the inbound pass from Arle Podador, and took two hard dribbles before bringing the leather straight to the cup for a difficult shot. 

Adjudged the best player of the game, Quines tallied 28 points on top of five rebounds, three assists and six steals to make a prophetic return after missing Game 1 due to a one-game suspension. 

Also making his return is head tactician Renren Ritualo who was likewise suspended for an ejection during their game against the EAC Brigadiers.

Game 1’s best player Gian Gomez also contributed impressive numbers for the Greenies, registering 15 points, four assists, and three steals. 

The Squires’ scoring trio of Daniel Padilla (20p, 9r, 3s), Justin Hugo (19p, 9r), and Daryl Valdeavilla (14p) could not save them their season despite shouldering a bulk of the offensive load for the Willie Miller-coached squad. 

With the win, the Greenies staged a finals date with the No.1-seed Perpetual Junior Altas, set to kick off on Friday, April 11.