Brothers Allan and James Mangahas teamed up with 6-7 beanpole Rabeh Al-Hussaini in repulsing the two-time champion Red Cubs in the week-long tournament jointly organized by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) and the provincial government of Negros Oriental.
Al-Hussaini, a Fil-Iraqi, proved to be a terror inside the paint, coming away with 21 points, aside from limiting San Beda’s big man and last year’s MVP JR Taganas to measly 11 points.
Allan Mangahas also had 21, while older brother James added 15, including four crucial baskets in the fourth quarter.
"Siguro motivation lang ang naging key sa panalo namin, kasi kulang pa rin kami sa suporta galing sa school. Pati nga sarili kong kuwarta, nagamit ko na," said PCU coach Bong Sales.
The Baby Dolphins, who reached the Final Four in last year’s NCAA, came out of the dugout with all guns ablaze, racing to a 25-9 spread after the first quarter and keeping the Red Cubs at bay the rest of the way.
San Beda actually closed in at the start of the third frame behind Martinez’s treys, Taganas’ inside incursions and Menor’s gutsy drives.
But Mark Sarangay, Gino Enriquez, and the Mangahas brothers restored order for the Baby Dolphins who enjoyed a 70-57 lead with 6:57 to go.
Earlier, St. Clare College (Caloocan) thumped Holy Child of Davao, 104-79, to clinch third place in its first-ever participation in the inter-secondary side of the tournament sponsored by Molten, the official ball, and Accel, the official outfitter.
Meanwhile, defending champion Philippine Maritime Institute and University of Perpetual Help-Dalta System booked a return trip to the national seniors finals following similar hard-earned victories in the semifinal round.
The PMI Admirals turned back the stubborn NU Bulldogs, 84-78, while the Altas outplayed Southern City College, 65-54.
PMI completed a double when the Lady Admirals, led by Jacquelyn Suarez’s 15 markers, demolished University of Mindanao, 70-75, in their semifinal clash to arrange a titular showdown with last year’s runner-up
Ateneo de Manila, which crushed University of San Agustin, 88-48.