We now have a series!
La Salle Greenhills pulled off a shocking 85-82 victory over San Beda today to take Game 1 of the NCAA juniors basketball finals. The win gave the Red Cubs its first taste of defeat this season and at the same time reducing this title series to a best-of-three affair.
Jon Villaruz and Thomas Torres topscored for the Greenies with 22 and 14 points respectively but it was the stellar play of Andre Paras down the stretch that proved to be the difference in this ballgame. The son of PBA legend Benjie Paras scored 11 of his 13 markers in the final period, including a crucial “and-one” play that gave LSGH a 2-point lead with over a minute left.
The Greenies had several opportunities to close out the match from the foul line but muffed all of their 6 attempts. Luckily, the team stepped it up on defense as they forced the Red Cubs to several turnovers in the closing seconds to escape with the win.
Game 2 will be on Monday, Oct 31 2PM at the Fil-Oil Flying-V Arena.
Boxscores
LSGH 85 — Villaruz 22, Torres 14, Paras 13, Bonleon 9, Vito 8, Sta. Clara 7, Laigo 7, Barrera 3, Ramilo 2, Yap 0, Mercado 0, Marcial 0.
SBC 82 — Patenio 19, Abatayo 16, Nazareno 11, Bonsubre 10, Abarcar 7, Tolentino 6, Tongco 4, Munsayac 4, Babilonia 3, Dela Costa 2, Miranda 0, Macapayag 0.
Quarterscores: 20-10;41-38;63-62;85-82