MANILA, Philippines - La Salle and Ateneo beat their respective rivals to stay on track for a possible showdown for UAAP high school basketball crown at The Arena in San Juan City over the weekend.
Led by Gwyne Capacio and Nico Elorde, the Junior Archers ripped Far Eastern U Baby Tams, 86-69, to clinch the first berth in the best-of-three finals set Saturday.
Capacio powered his way to 32 points and 17 rebounds while Elorde, grandson of the late boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, had 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for La Salle.
The Eagles, meanwhile, for their part, relied on Keifer Ravena’s explosive performance as they pulled the rug from under the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, the No. 2 seeds, 72-66, to force a sudden death for the other final berth.
Ravena, son of former PBA star Bong Ravena, shot 27 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the Junior Eagles lived for another day.
The rubber match is set at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
In women’s action, Adamson downed La Salle, 55-50, while FEU edged UST, 75-71, to set their own best-of-three series.
Reigning MVP Analyn Almasan had 12 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Lady Falcons while Allana Lim erupted for a season-high 35 points to pace the Lady Tams.