San Beda Edged Perpetual, Returns To The Finals

Using a huge fourth quarter surge, defending champions San Beda Red Lions emerged triumphant and booked their 8th straight finals appearance by brushing aside the Perpetual Help Altas, 70-51, Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Momentum shifted to either teams numerous times as both squads started out cold, ending the first half with the Altas ahead, 25-21. But the well-experienced Lions started to get their act together towards the end of the third and eventually pulled away in the fourth, as Arthur Dela Cruz nailed a trey, good for a 10-point 49-39 advantage with 6:59 left.

Dela Cruz was the player of the game with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists.

"It's a physical game, our first half was bad. Ola (Adeogun) was bad and we didn't have much rebounds," Dela Cruz said. "Na-stop naman namin. Buti second half nakabalik kami." (We were able to stop them. It's a good thing we were able to come back in the second half.)

Ola Adeogun also served as the spark plug for the Lions in the fourth when he came alive and imposed his will underneath. He finished with 11 points and 11 boards. While Baser Amer ensured the win with a basket for an 18-point lead, 64-46, heading into the final two minutes. The Lions ourtscored the Altas 32-14 in the fourth.

With the win the Red Lions will be facing their archrivals Letran in a best-of-3 affair where they will attempt to cop their 4th straight title.

source: Rappler
photo credits to the owner