MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal and San Beda thwarted separate rivals to arrange a showdown for the Fr. Martin Cup Open Division crown at the Arellano gym yesterday.
JRU leaned on the clutch shooting of Nate Matute and Alex Almario in the fourth period as the Bombers nipped National University, 71-69, while SBC held off Adamson, 80-72, in the other semis clash.
The Bombers played without their two African imports, Etame Joe and Nchotu Njei.
The Bulldogs, behind Joseph Terso, Rey Parks and Emmanuel Mbe, actually seized control in the first half but the Bombers struck back in the final half through Jon Lopez, Jecster Apinan, Matute and Almario.
Matute and Almario led JRU with 13 points each and combined for six steals.
Parks had a game-high 19 points but went 0-6 from the long range in the second half.
African import Olaide Adeogan and Anthony Semerad scored 16 and 15 points for San Beda.