Six-foot-five newcomer Patrick Pasinos made an immediate impact for the La Salle Greenhills (LSGH) Greenies, powering them past the San Beda Red Cubs, 67-59, on the opening day of the 101st NCAA Juniors Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The 16-year-old transferee from Far Eastern University delivered a game-high 20 points, including nine in the crucial fourth quarter, to give the Greenies their first victory of the season alongside the Lyceum Junior Pirates.
With San Beda threatening late in the game, Pasinos took over offensively, unleashing eight straight points in the final 2:53 through fearless drives to the basket. His explosion turned LSGH’s slim 55-49 advantage into a commanding 63-49 cushion, sealing the win for coach Renren Ritualo’s squad.
“I lost a lot of players from last year. I can’t say this is revenge for us because most of them are gone,” Ritualo said, downplaying the rivalry angle but lauding the poise of his young squad.
In the earlier game, the Lyceum Junior Pirates pulled off a gritty 74-66 triumph over the Mapua Junior Cardinals.
Trailing by two entering the fourth, the Pirates leaned on Khian Panerio, who poured in seven of his 12 points in the final frame. After tying the game at 63-all, Lyceum mounted a decisive 7-0 run to create separation and secure the win with just under two minutes left.
“Ang sabi lang namin sa mga bata, maging uhaw kayo. Kasi last season halos ma-zero tayo. Ngayon, ibahin natin ang tingin sa atin ng ibang teams,” said Lyceum coach Al Vergara, underscoring their hunger for redemption this season.
