MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Beda ended Technological Institute of the Philippines' dream run with a 79-77 victory Tuesday to barge into the finals of the National Collegiate Championship at The Arena in San Juan City.
Cameroonian Donald Tankoua bulldozed his way to 13 points and 11 rebounds while Robert Bolick, a transferee from La Salle, chipped in 13 as the Lions arranged semis showdown with the Letran Knights, who won this year's NCAA championship at the expense of the former.
The Lions nearly blew the win though after seeing their 21-point lead disappear amid the gutsy stand put up by the Engineers, who made it through by shocking the University of Visayas Lancers, 59-53, the day before to make it this far.
Starting the game flat after playing their fifth game in a week, the Engineers trailed by as much as 21 points but clawed their way back with sheer hard work.
TIP, however, missed some shots that could have given them a chance to steal the game, allowing San Beda to escape with the win.
Dan Sara, who has assumed the team captains' role with Baser Amer now in the pros scattered 12 points while Fil-Am Devon Potts and Arnaud Noah added 11 apiece.