THE La Salle Zobel Junior Archers leaned on two second stringers to give them the extra push to beat the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 82-69, last Saturday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines juniors’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
The Junior Archers, led by Roberto Mariano with 23 points, finished the elimination round sharing the same 6-8 record with University of Santo Tomas.
The UST Tiger Cubs arranged a playoff with the Junior Archers for the fourth Final Four semifinal slot after they won by forfeiture over the University of the East via a bench-clearing incident that took place in the last 58 seconds.
As the Junior Archers began tiring from UPIS’ shift to a zone defense, backup guard Astrolave Vista stepped up even if he made only six points.
Vista’s two big triples at the start of the last period touched off a decisive 8-2 run.
With the Junior Archers slightly ahead, Vista’s trey saw the Junior Archers moving away, 65-56, with 8:16 left.
Diaz then sank all of his 11 points in the remaining time as La Salle-Zobel moved out of the Junior Maroons’ reach.
“We are taking advantage of an opportunity that’s before us,” said La Salle Zobel coach Boris Aldeguer as they will now fight for the no. 4 slot with UST on Thursday.
The Tiger Cubs were ahead, 94-81, in the last 58 seconds when UST cager Cruzette Gonzales threw a punch at Rhayjun Baquial during a loose ball situation, resulting in a bench-clearing incident.
Officials declared UST the winner, although commissioner Revo Saguisag said he has 48 hours to review the incident and issue appropriate sanctions.
Miguel Ratuiste had 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Inand Fornilla also had a double-double with 18 points and 15 boards for the Tiger Cubs.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets prevailed over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws, 75-70, to finish with a share of second spot with 11 wins against three losses.
Joaquin Manuel banged in 18 points for the Blue Eaglets, who kept their bid for a twice-to-beat semifinals bonus alive.
Jason Celis split his free throw in the last nine seconds to lead the Adamson Baby Falcons to a 70-68 triumph over the defending champion National University Bullpups, who took the top seeding in the Final Four at 12-2.
The Baby Falcons ended their season with a 2-12 card.