MANILA – Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights made its way back to the finals after a 77-75 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the semifinals of NCAA Season 97 men’s basketball on Sunday at San Juan Arena.
Rhenz Abando matched his career-high 24 points, highlighted by two slam dunks, to go with three rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Knights.
Jeo Ambohot produced a double-double effort of 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Fran Yu contributed 13 points for the defending champions Knights.
The fourth-ranked Altas gave the Knights everything to handle in their semifinals game before falling short of their bid of sending the Final Four to a deciding game.
After a split free throw by Yu to make it a 77-75 lead for the Knights, the Altas still had a chance to win it but Jielo Razon missed a potential game-winning triple.
Razon led the Altas with double-double 21 points and 11 rebounds to go with four assists while Jeff Egan added 14 points, four assists and two steals for Perpetual.
Meanwhile, San Beda University Red Lions kept its finals aspirations alive following a 73-67 overtime victory against Mapua University Cardinals in their semis game.
With the game tied at 64-all, Peter Alfaro surged the Red Lions ahead at 67-64 with a three-pointer. It later grew to 69-64 with a layup by Negrense Ralph Penuela.
On the other end, James Canlas Kwenkuteye made a huge stop that led to a JB Bahio leaner to give San Beda the lead it wouldn’t relinquish with under two minutes left.
Kwenkuteye finished the game with 17 points, while Penuela and rookie Jacob Cortez had 13 each for the Red Lions, which will battle Cardinals anew on Wednesday for the last finals seat.
BOX SCORE:
LETRAN 77 — Abando 24, Ambohot 14, Yu 13, Paraiso 7, Sangalang 7, Olivario 5, Javillonar 4, Reyson 2, Mina 1, Caralipio 0, Fajarito 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 75 — Razon 21, Egan 14, Abis 11, Pagaran 8, Omega 7, Boral 6, Barcuma 4, Cuevas 4, Martel 0, Kawamura 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 20-17, 36-39, 62-55, 77-75/PN
