MANILA – De La Salle University Green Archers and San Beda University Red Lions made it to the finals of the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup after disposing their semifinals foes at the San Juan Arena.
The Green Archers leaned on the dominant presence of Justine Baltazar on Thursday to score an 82-80 escape over the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, which were handicapped with the absence of two starters.
Baltazar had a monster double-double of 22 points and 22 rebounds to go along with two steals and a block, while Encho Serrano chipped in 20 markers for the Green Archers.
Baltazar also played a key role for the Green Archers down the stretch. He broke the 78-all deadlock with free throws before it was increased to 81-78 by a split free throw by Ralph Cu.
The Pirates made its last stand by chopping the deficit to 80-81 on a basket by Reymar Caduyac. Lyceum had a chance to win it but fumbled before Serrano sealed the win with a freebie.
Enoch Valdez scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Jeff Santos chipped in 15 to make up for the absence of Jaycee Marcelino (nasal contusion) and Mike Nzeusseu (jammed right index finger).
In the second game, the defending champions Red Lions arranged a titular showdown with the Green Archers following a close 75-70 victory over the Adamson University Falcons.
With the score tied at 70-all, Calvin Oftana broke the deadlock for the Red Lions with a booming triple with 1:08 left in the game.
The Falcons committed back-to-back turnovers before San Beda sealed the win on two free throws by James Canlas./PN
