ATENEO TAKES SECOND PCCL FINALS BERTH

ATENEO de Manila University routed a sluggish San Beda College squad, 66-49, to earn the second finals berth of 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Blue Eagles, winner of five titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), outscored the Red Lions in the third period, 20-5, for a 48-31 advantage entering the fourth period and they never threatened the rest of the way.

“The players worked hard today and didn’t give up,” said interim Ateneo head coach Gabby Severino. “I’m so happy that we’re now in the finals but we have to work hard too against University of Santo Tomas [UST].”

Forward Nico Salva scored 16 points, while seven- footer Greg Slaughter had 11 points and 12 rebounds with two blocks, and Juami Tiongson got 11 points for the Blue Eagles, who arranged an all-UAAP best-of-three championship series against UST, which begins on Tuesday.

This is Ateneo’s sixth finals appearance.

Playmaker Amer Baser led the Red Lions, who just trailed only 26-28 at halftime, with 15 points.

Earlier, Southwestern University ( SWU) pulled off an impressive overtime win against UST, 93-91.

SWU’s big man Benoit Mbala was a huge factor to the Cobras’ offense and defense as he tallied a game high 41 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field and 15-of-18 in the foul line in addition to his 16 rebounds and four blocks.

The Cobras under head coach Yayoy Alcoseba will face the San Beda in a battle- for- third game scheduled on Tuesday.

The Growling Tigers are already assured of a berth in the PCCL Finals after beating Ateneo and San Beda College.