Saints, Greywolves set title clash

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help System-Biñan and defending champion Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong wiped out the twice-to-beat edges of their respective higher-seeded foes in the semis to arrange a title clash in the 12th NCAA South men’s basketball tournament.

Melvin Custodio, Marc Gerard Arciaga and Kim John Salinas delivered the crucial baskets down the stretch as the No. 4 Perpetual-Biñan Saints edged top seed San Beda College-Alabang, 77-74, last Thursday at the FAITH campus in Tanauan City.

The win followed up the Saints’ earlier 72-63 upset of the Red Lions, who after sweeping the nine-game elims lost to Perpetual in the Final Four.

Arciaga paced the Saints with 17 points, firing a clutch trey, jumper and two charities at endgame, while Jake Yagonia had 15 and Custodio added 12, six of them in the payoff period.

James Panaligan came back from a one-game suspension with 16 points to lead the Lions’ scoring parade. Panaligan sat out the first game of the Final Four as penalty for committing a disqualifying foul in SBC-A’s last outing in the elims.

The No. 3 DBTC Greywolves, meanwhile, booked a return trip to the championship after beating No. 2 First Asia Institute of Technology for the second time, 86-73. Don Bosco forced Thursday’s rubbermatch via a 56-49 triumph earlier.

Guard Jonathan Roland Tabulog waxed hot with 18 points, 15 of them from downtown while Charles Corpuz and Bjorn Andrei Casibang had a combined 26 markers as Don Bosco positioned itself for a back-to-back conquest.

Skipper Arnelito Amatorio and Marvin Javier shot 13 markers apiece for the hosts Bravehearts.

Perpetual and Don Bosco will clash for the winner-take-all men’s basketball crown at 2:30 p.m. today at the FAITH gym.