SAN BEDA, thanks to AC Soberano’s timely hits, achieved what it aspired for by beating Arellano University, 80-73, to emerge No. 1 anew entering the Final Four Mall of Asia Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday.
Soberano scattered a career-high 26 points for the Red Lions, who helped extend San Beda’s streak as eliminations topnotcher for the 11th straight season.
“I give credit to the boys. They shot well today. And good thing Soberano hit big baskets and [Benedict] Adamos provided the defense underneath. This will be a good booster going to the semis,” San Beda Head Coach Jamike Jarin said.
Soberano was 6-of-9 from the three-point territory in the game, where he also hauled down six rebounds.
Adamos had 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists and Robert Bolick added 14 points for the Red Lions, who had to stave off repeated rallies by the Chiefs to dominate the playoff that determined the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds in the semifinals.
San Beda and Arellano University finished with identical 14-4 won-lost cards after the eliminations. With the Red Lions emerging No. 1, they will face No. 4 University of Perpetual Help (11-7) in the Final Four starting on Friday also at the MOA Arena.
Arellano University tackles No. 3 Mapua (12-6), a team led by reigning Most Valuable Player Allwell Oraeme, in the other Final Four pairing.
The Red Lions limited the Chiefs’ Most Valuable Player race frontrunner Jio Jalalon to 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
La Salle-Greenhills, meanwhile, relied on Unique Naboa in beating Arellano University, 79-76, in the playoff for the juniors No. 3 seed also on Tuesday.
La Salle-Greenhills will take on Mapua while Arellano University will battle San Beda in the semifinals with the Red Cups and Robins enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.
Image credits: Alysa Salen