DEFENDING champion San Beda Red Cubs will end the eliminations at the top of the standings in Season 92 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.
The Red Cubs will sail into the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage thanks to the heroics not just of their star players like Sam Abu Hijle and Evan Nelle but also of their shock troopers like guard Eduardo Velasquez Jr.
In the second round of the eliminations the Red Cubs fought off the determined challenge of the Mapua Red Robins to prevail, 89-84. The Red Cubs faced another tough game against the Red Robins but they were bailed out of danger by a triple from Velasquez Jr. in the last 2:11 of the game.
His dagger three-pointer gave San Beda an 86-80 edge which the Red Cubs nursed till the end.
His basket found its mark following 10 lead changes. From there the Red Cubs kept the lead after the Red Robins misfired with their free throws.
Velasquez, who learned how to play from his father, who is a former varsity player, said he found his mark because he was confident he could make the shot.
“Coach said if you can make it, you can make it. Just do your thing. There are no star players in our team,” said Velasquez, a power forward at six feet.
Coach JB Sison said the Red Cubs are were able to overcome challenges on the way to the Final Four thanks to the heroics of players like Velasquez.
San Beda big man Abu Hijle dominated the boards in the early goings of their campaign as the Red Cubs won 16 out of 17 games.
The Red Cubs were the first to gain a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
They lost their claim to an automatic finals berth after they bowed to the Arellano University Braves, 93-90, at the end of the first round.
The six-foot-three Abu Hijle, who averages 14.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, led with 22 points for the Red Cubs when they demolished the Letran Squires, 96-83.
In their last two games, role players have emerged to help the Red Robins stay on course for their ultimate goal.
Against the Squires, Joshua Tagala made 12 points, including eight in the first as the Red Cubs took control with a 27-13 spread.
The six-foot power forward’s efforts helped the Red Cubs gain the momentum which they maintained till the next three period.
“The game was physical. But the boys fought it out. We need to secure the no. 1 position,” said Red Cubs assistant coach Noli Mejos.
Tagala, an 11th grader, who has been with Team B for two years, said their defense was focused on the prolific Kurt Reyson when he came back in the third. Tagala said his game has definitely improved after he came aboard team A last season.