MANILA, Philippines – Team B of the San Beda Red Lions are back in the finals.
They made it with the Ateneo Blue Eagles-B after they struck down the Lyceum Pirates, 82-75, last Sunday in the semifinal round of the 11th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.
Ice Reyes, son of Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, provided the key charities in the last 16.4 seconds as the Red Lions forged a winner-take-all showdown this weekend with the Blue Eagles.
The Blue Eagles, who drew 25 points from Joma Adornado, banked on four charities from Jerie Pingoy to turn back the National University, 78-75.
Cameroonian cager Donald Tankoua fired 26 points for the Red Lions, who are seeking their second crown since 2011.
Gerald Fernandez made 19 points for the Adamson Baby Falcons, who won over the National University Bullpups, 75-67, and forge a playoff with Hope Christian School in the junior side.
John Apacible Jr. tallied 27 points for Hope as they fended off the San Beda Red Cubs, 85-68.
The Pirates stayed in the thick of the fight until the last 48 seconds off back-to-back triples from Rhoel Maconocido, 74-79.
But two charities from Reyes in the last 36.8 seconds sealed the deal for the Red Lions, 81-74.
The Bulldogs, threatened 72-75, off Reggie Morido’s two charities, when Pingoy came into the picture.
Pingoy, who had 11 points, hit four freebies in the ensuing play, bailing the Blue Eagles out of trouble in the last 16.4 seconds.