Altalettes back in finals

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help relied on a big second-quarter run to overcome a slow start in downing San Beda, 96-87, yesterday to complete a finals return in NCAA Season 100 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

In the best-of-three finals unfurling Friday at the San Juan venue, the Junior Altas will be shooting for something they have never won – a high school cage championship.

UPHSD came a victory close to claiming it last year when it forced a deciding Game Three but was denied by eventual winner Letran.

Dan Rosales paced the Junior Altas with 19 points including three booming triples while Lebron Jhames Daep delivered all-around numbers with nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.

La Salle-Greenhills, meanwhile, stunned defending champion Letran, 78-74, in overtime to force a sudden death for the last finals seat.

The Greenies and the Squires clash in a do-or-die tomorrow.