Braves Blitz Red Cubs, Keep History on Hold

From Abs Cbn Sports Website: http://sports.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news/2015/10/27/braves-blitz-red-cubs-keep-history-hold-5851
By: Norman Lee Benjamin Riego 

San Beda High School needed just one more win to etch their names in the history books now in the 91st Season of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

However, it was Arellano University who made their own history after jumping on the Red Cubs, 72-68, on Tuesday at the MOA Arena.

The Braves raced to an early 11-2 lead and never looked back all the way to their first-ever Finals victory. Talking about their 25-13 first quarter rampage, coach Tylon Dar Juan said in his post-game conference, “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na simula pa lang, masigla na dapat.”

As expected, the six-time defending champions kept battling and cut the deficit to only 66-70 inside the last two minutes, but Guillmer dela Torre’s breakaway layup sealed the deal for good.”Ilang taon na tong nagcha-champion. Mahirap talaga talunin,” Dar Juan said.

dela Torre and fellow Mythical selection Carlo Abadeza finished with 15 and 16 points, respectively, to move Arellano to 1-2 in the race-to-three Finals.

Mythical Team member Sam Abu Hijle made up for a forgettable Game One with a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double which still fell short in preventing San Beda’s first defeat of the season. Nonetheless, the Red Cubs still need just one more win to claim an unprecedented sevent consecutive championship.

BOX SCORES

ARELLANO 72 – Abadeza 16, Dela Torre 15, Bataller 9, Sunga 7, Calapine 7, Velasco 5, Tamayo 5, Dañas 4, Espiritu 2, Fornis 2

SAN BEDA 68 – Abu Hijle 16, Nelle 15, Bordeus 13, Velasquez 6, Nayve 4, Mahinay 4, Tagala 3, Lagumen 3, Etrata 2, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 0

QUARTER SCORES:  25-13, 41-35, 57-49, 72-68