SBC Red Cubs rule PSSBC

The San Beda Red Cubs achieved in the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships what they couldn’t in the NCAA juniors cage wars.

JM Lagumen emerged as the hero as San Beda stunned Chiang Kai Shek College, 66-65, on Thursday to capture the 6th PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup at the SGS Stadium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.

Down by 11 in the third period, the Red Cubs rallied in the final canto with Lagumen capping their fightback with a dagger of a triple from the left corner with 5/10 of a second left that broke the Blue Dragons’ heart.

“You can see in my players how they really wanted to win this one. We were down by double figures in the third but they just kept on coming back, kept trusting one another that they can pull through,” said San Beda coach JB Sison.

In completing a five-game sweep of the tourney supported by Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater, Freego Jeans, Poly Gloss, Rain or Shine, Che Lu Bar & Grill and MEC Computers, the Red Cubs took home R80,000 in cash plus and a trophy while becoming the first team to win two titles after ruling the 2014 edition.

Talented playmaker Evan Nelle finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists in the winner-takeall showdown on his way to clinching the tournament MVP honors presented by league chairman Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear.

Joining the 5-foot-11 Nelle in the Mythical Team were CKSC duo of John Galinato and Jason Celis, Rhyann Amsali of National University and University of Visayas’ Jancork Cabahug.

In the battle for third, the NU Bullpups beat the University of Visayas Baby Lancers, 87-83.

Joshua Yerro tallied 21 points and 14 rebounds for UV, the reigning CESAFI titlist which finished fourth overall in its tournament debut. Scores: San Beda 66 – Nelle 13, Mahinay 12, Abuhijleh 10, Nayve 9, Lagumen 7, Alfaro III 6, Etrata 5, Tagala 2, Talampas 2, Dela Rosa 0. Galinato 24, Antiporda 9, Asuncion 9, Celis 9, Luciano 7, Agbong 4, Lim 3, Ramirez 0, Flores 0, Bañez 0. Quarters: 14-20, 32-32, 45-50, 66-65.