Mapua started the game strong determined to extend their winning streak and sending their semis match up to a rubber as they lead the Knights 10-5 early in the game, but Letran also eager to get back in the finals manage to snatch the lead away from the Cardinals as the end the first period 21-17.
It was an intense second and third quarter as both squads didn't allow anyone to lead by more than four points, as the two quarters was a seesaw battle between Letran and Mapua. The second period going in favor of the Knights 45-42, while the third period going in the way of the Cardinals 67-70.
In the fourth period it was still a close one, though Mapua were able get a 76-71 lead over the knights early in the final period, it was still the maturity and the veterans of Letran that pulled them up as they were able to escape Mapua by just a single point
Veteran Guard and dubbed as the "Ant Man" Mark Cruz led the Knights with 24 points, helping him is another veteran knight Kevin Racal who scored 19 points as the Knights barged in again in the finals of the NCAA.
Meanwhile sophomore guard Exeqiel Biteng top scored for the Cardinals with 17 points, adding to that is the combined 30 points of Veteran Josan Nimes and Rookie Darrell Menina.
Letran Knights 91 - Cruz 24, Racal 19, Sollano 16, Nambatac 12, Quinto 10, Calvo 4, Preku 3, Luib 3
Mapua Cardinals 90 - Biteng 17, Nimes 15, Menina 15, Isit 11, Oraeme 10, Nieles 10, Serrano 10, Braña 2
In the second game the 5 time defending Champions San Beda College turns back the gritty Jose Rizal University 78-68 to set up the finals duel between them and their bitter rival Letran.
The Red Lions show early dominance over the Heavy Bombers early in the game, JRU still were able to steal the lead to end the first quarter ahead 17-19. the Heavy Bombers continue to held on to their lead in the second period as they were able to extend their lead to a 25-31 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.
JRU continues to show their dominance at the start of the second half as they were able to shrug off the threat of the Red Lions to take the lead, they were even able to take a 35-42 lead over San Beda with less than six minutes remaining, but in the last few minutes of the third period the Red Lions were able to turn things around as they were able to grab the lead to end the third period 56-53.
As the Red Lions grabbed the lead there's no turning back anymore as they continue to punish JRU extending their lead to a 66-58 lead with four minutes remaining in the game. Entering the last two minutes San Beda showed complete dominance as they diffused the Heavy Bombers to return to the finals for the tenth straight year.
Baser Amer, Roldan Sara, Acee Soberano, and Donald Tankoua combined a total of 42 points for the Red Lions in this game. Meanwhile, Marco Balagtas and Abdel Poutouchi combined 26 points for JRU.
JRU continues to show their dominance at the start of the second half as they were able to shrug off the threat of the Red Lions to take the lead, they were even able to take a 35-42 lead over San Beda with less than six minutes remaining, but in the last few minutes of the third period the Red Lions were able to turn things around as they were able to grab the lead to end the third period 56-53.
As the Red Lions grabbed the lead there's no turning back anymore as they continue to punish JRU extending their lead to a 66-58 lead with four minutes remaining in the game. Entering the last two minutes San Beda showed complete dominance as they diffused the Heavy Bombers to return to the finals for the tenth straight year.
Baser Amer, Roldan Sara, Acee Soberano, and Donald Tankoua combined a total of 42 points for the Red Lions in this game. Meanwhile, Marco Balagtas and Abdel Poutouchi combined 26 points for JRU.
San Beda Red Lions 78 - Amer 11, Sara 11, Soberano 10, Tankoua 10, Mocon 8, Sorela 7, Adeogun 5, Dela Cruz 5, Tongco 4, Koga 3, Reyes 2, Presbitero 2
JRU Heavy Bombers 68 - Balagtas 14, Poutouochi 12, Teodoro 9, Dela Paz 8, Estrella 8, Astilla 6, Pontejos 6, Abdulwahab 3, Lasquety 2
Mag-post ng isang Komento