For the first time in over a quarter of a century, La Salle Greenhills is back in the NCAA basketball finals. The last time LSGH figured in the finals was in 78-79 when DLSU was still in the NCAA.
Behind a 35-point effort from guard Thomas Torres, the Greenies disposed of the Letran Squires 101-91 and will face San Beda for the juniors division championship starting Monday. Mario Bonleon and Jon Villaruz added 21 and 17 points respectively for LSGH , who went on a 32– 19 surge in the third period to take control of the game.
As a member of the NCAA from 1968 to 1980 (with DLSU) and from 1998 to present (with CSB), the basketball championship has eluded LSGH despite being a perennial contender for the overall title. The last NCAA juniors basketball title won by a La Salle school was back in 1955 when DLSU still had a high school department in Taft Ave.
It will be a tall order for the team if they are to pull off the upset. By sweeping the eliminations, the Red Cubs have a thrice-to-beat-advantage and they only need to win twice to win their 3rd straight title.
As difficult it may be, don’t count out the Greenies just yet. This has already been an amazing season for LSGH basketball and we can only expect more great things to come.
Box scores:
LSGH 101—Torres 35, Bonleon 21, Villaruz 17, Vito 8, Ramilo 7, Paras 4, Marcial 4, Yap 2, Sy 2, Barrera 1, Laigo 0, Sta. Clara 0.
CSJL 91—Luib 22, Serafica 19, Nampatac 19, Villanueva 14, Galleon 13, Catipay 4, Licyayo 0, Alas 0.
Quarterscores: 23-24;46-42;78-61;101-91