MANILA, Philippines – The Arellano U Braves seek to draw inspiration from their stunning Game Two victory over the heavily favored San Beda Cubs as the two clash anew Thursday in the 91st NCAA junior basketball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Powered by the strong efforts of Carlo Abadeza and Guillmer dela Torre, the Braves eked out a stunning 72-68 win Tuesday to foil the Cubs' sweep bid while keeping their finals hope alive.
San Beda took Game One, 76-68, to extend its spectacular streak to 19 wins and move one win away from a historic sweep and a record seventh straight title and 22nd overall.
But Arellano had other things in mind and pulled the rug from under San Beda.
The Braves, however, would need to win two more to snatch the title from the Cubs.
Game Four, if necessary, is on November 3.
Abadeza was in bulldozing mode and had 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three assists, two blocks and a steal while Dela Torre scattered 15 as Arellano fanned its hopes in winning its first ever high school title.