MANILA, Philippines - Chiang Kai Shek College ended San Beda College’s reign with a 68-58 victory to arrange a showdown with De La Salle-Zobel for the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup crown at the SGS gym in Quezon City over the weekend.
Jonas Tibayan led Chiang Kai Shek College’s assault, finishing with 13 points and 18 boards while drawing a big help from Martin Galinato whose steady shooting from the free throw line helped the Blue Dragons stave off San Beda’s late rally.
The Blue Dragons thus arranged a one-game face-off with the early finalists DLS-Z Junior Archers.
The two teams were playing at presstime with the winner joining the elite list of champions that included Hope Christian High School, San Sebastian and San Beda.
The Junior Archers earlier advanced to the final after an emphatic 110-66 win over Hope Christian in the event also sponsored by MEC Networks, Dickies Underwear, Freego, Rain or Shine, Ironcon Builders, Hapee Toothpaste and Blackwater Sports with Molten as official ball.
CKSC clamped down on defense early, holding the Red Cubs to just nine first quarter points.
But the Red Cubs fought back behind Evan Nelle, who recovered from an atrocious one-of-11 shooting with five straight points, including a triple that put San Beda within three, 58-61, with under two minutes to play in the contest.
But Galinato stepped up and delivered clutch free throws to secure the victory for CKSC.
Sham Bañez also shone for CKSC with 10 points and nine boards while Donn Lim, Allen Toribio and Galinato combined for 25 points.
San Beda ended up with just 19-of-63 shooting from the field and was outrebounded, 67-38.