Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna, Mapua Malayan College, and St. Benilde International – three schools with strong connections in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) – is on collision course for the Laguna leg Finals in the inaugural National Basketball Championship (NBC) Inter-High.
Lived up to their billings as top favorites in the knockout-format tournament, the NCAA squads outplayed, outhustled, and outscored their respective opponents on Tuesday at the Cabuyao Gymnasium in Laguna as they've advanced in the Final Four of this nationwide talent search for players aged 19-under presented by Jamsap Entertainment Corporation headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jojo Flores.
The young Pirates pummeled Liceo de Cavinti, 109-40; the Mapua Red Robbins demolished Liceo de Cabuyao, 118-41; and St. Benilde annihilated Maranatha Christian Academy, 146-21, to clinch slots in the do-or-die semifinal round in the tournament sponsored by
Mommy's Garden Cafe' Restaurant Events, Sipao's Sports Park, Cabbana Packaging, Daddy's Carwash, Miel's Artisan Cafe', Batang Pilipino Basketball League, Provincial Government of Laguna and Denha.
Completing the Final Four cast is the Queen Anne School of Sta. Rosa beating Raya School-NU Laguna, 109-100.
In the crossover semifinals slated on Nov. 9, the LPU Laguna clash against Mapua Malayan at 10:00 a.m., while the duel between Saint Benilde vs Queen Ann School is set at 1:00 p.m.
Of the three one-sided results, the win by St. Benilde was the most special as it claimed five tournament records for points as the Baby Blazers limited their rivals to just four points in the first period and a total of seven points at halftime. After three quarters, St. Benilde ballooned its lead at 126-13 en route to winning with the largest margin of 135 points.
Ryoma Clyde Sarno paced five St. Benilde in double-digits with 27 points, nine rebounds, 2 steals, and five assists; Kenneth Timothy Simeon led Mapua with 29 points and Lui Mishaal Dapan got 22 points for Lyceum.
Kimi Dirk Carprena of Queen Anne School of Sta. Rosa was named the Best Player of the fourth match pouring in 24 points, two rebounds, two assists, and seven steals.
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