THE San Beda Red Lions took charge in the fourth quarter, putting away the Arellano University Chiefs, 80-73, to earn the top seeding Tuesday in the playoffs of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
AC Soberano tallied 26 points for the Red Lions, who arranged a Final Four semifinal clash with the fourth-seeded University of Perpetual Help Altas at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ace scorer Jiovani Jalalon had 14, while Kent Salado and Donald Gumaru had 11 for the second seeded Chiefs, who will meet the Mapua Cardinals in the other semifinal tiff at 4 p.m.
Coach Jamike Jarin said this game was a morale-boosting one, because it will give the players the needed confidence going into a more important encounter, which is their Final Four clash with the Altas.
“But now, everything’s down the drain, because the important game is on Friday,” said Jarin.
Earlier, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies turned to the free throw line in the last 21.1 seconds to put away the Arellano University Braves, 79-76, in their own playoff to earn the third seeding in the junior division Final Four semifinals.
Troy Mallinlin and Joel Cagulangan sank split free throws on fouls by Carlo Abadeza and Guilmer de la Torre in the remaining 21.1 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively, sending the Greenies into a Final Four showdown with the Mapua Red Robins on Friday.
Games Friday
10 a.m. San Beda vs Arellano (jrs)
11:45 a.m. Mapua vs LSGH (jrs)
2 p.m. Rank 1 vs UPHSD(srs)
4 p.m. Rank 2 vs Mapua (srs)