Amer heroics lift Cubs to 18th title

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning MVP Baser Amer came through with another sterling performance as San Beda turned back San Sebastian, 95-84, yesterday to complete a two-game sweep of their best-of-three championship showdown in the 86th NCAA junior basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Amer, playing his last season, sizzled with 25 points and barely dished out a triple-double job of nine rebounds and eight assists as he powered the Cubs to the back-to-back championship for a league best 18th crown.

“Exceptional,” said San Beda coach Brit Reroma of his prized cager.

Reroma, a member of the 1996 NCAA high school San Beda champion team, said he is dedicating the championship to mentor and multi-titled coach Ato Badolato, who has been ailing and confined at the Lourdes Hospital in Mandaluyong.

“This one’s for coach Ato,” said Reroma.

Amer also starred in the team’s 89-64 romp in Game One where he pumped in 14 points and made a season high 18 assists. He also had nine rebounds and five steals.

Amer, named the league MVP last Wednesday, also bagged the finals MVP honors to cap his remarkable stint with the Cubs.

Von Chavez and Adam Abatayo had 18 apiece while big man Al Gotladera came up with 14 points, 12 rebounds and four shot blocks.

Gino Jumao-as fired a series-high 38 points and wound up with 14 rebounds, seven assists and two steals for the Stags.