SBC, Hope complete PSSBC semis cast

Games today (SGS Gym, Quezon City)

1 p.m. – DLSZ vs Hope Christian 

2:45 p.m. – San Beda vs Chiang Kai Shek

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Beda College reasserted its mastery over NCAA rival Arellano University even as Hope Christian High School stunned Xavier School to complete the semifinal cast in the 2015 Philippine Schools Secondary Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy in Quezon City last Thursday. 

San Beda, however, needed the heroics of NCAA Finals MVP Evan Nelle and Albert Bordeus to repulse Arellano, 98-90, and arrange a semis showdown with Chiang Kai Shek College.

Hope Christian also went through the wringer before eking out a 68-64 win over the Xavier Stallions for a clash with early semifinalist De La Salle-Zobel in the tournament presented by Jumbo Plastic Linoleum with Molten as official ball.

The two semis matches will be played today at the SGS gym in Quezon City (along Araneta Avenue) with the La Salle-Zobel-Hope Christian showdown set at 1 p.m. before San Beda tackles CKSC at 2:45 p.m.

Bordeus and Nelle finished with 18 points apiece to lead a balanced attack by the Red Cubs that saw four other players churn out double-digit outputs in the tournament also sponsored by MEC Networks, Hapee Toothpaste, Ironcon Builders, Freego, Blackwater Sports, Dickies Underwear and Rain or Shine.

Sam Abuhijle notched a double double of 13 points and 10 boards with Germy Maghinay contributing 11 markers and 12 rebounds while Prince Etrata and Robi Nayve chipping in 12 and 10, respectively.

Guillmer dela Torre was his usual self for the Braves, notching 18 points, but he had five of the Braves’ 18 missed free throws that hastened their downfall. 

Pilipinas Batang Gilas standout Harvey Pagsanjan stood at the forefront of Hope Christian’s attack again, tallying 18 points and 15 rebounds.

Also shining for Hope Christian was Ryan Quiambao who aside from scoring 20 points he made life difficult for Xavier gunner Tyler Tio.

Tio was limited to just nine points on 4-14 shooting, a far cry from his 29-point average in the tournament.