There will be a new champion in the SM-NBTC National High School Championship after the reigning title-holder, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, lost to powerhouse San Beda Red Cubs, 75-86, in the semifinals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
San Beda’s victory gave them a measure of vengeance against the Cebu-based squad which defeated them in the finals of this very same competition last year.
The Magis Eagles struggled to get off the gates in the first half and trailed, 33-50. They bounced back in the third and outscored the NCAA champions, 28-19 behind Eroll Pastor and Andrew Velasco, who connived for 20 points in a stretch that brought them within eight, 61-69, heading to the final 10 minutes of the contest.
Ateneo de Cebu crept closer, 71-74, after a tip-in by Mike Cutamora and a three-pointer by Renzo Calumpang, 6:42 to go. But San Beda did not blink and responded with a triple from Ry dela Rosa and a basket by Sam Abu Hijleh to bring the lead back to 79-71.
Pastor tried to keep the Magis Eagles within striking distance, 73-80, with a tip-in but two free-throws by Prince Etrata and a bucket by Evan Nelle pushed the lead back to double figures, 84-73.
Pastor led the way for the Magis Eagles with a monster double-double of 22 points and 25 rebounds while Travis Mantua added 14. Velasco also contributed 13.
The Magis Eagles missed the normally stout contributions of Cesafi MVP, Jed Colonia, who struggled to find his shot and finished with just seven points while committing seven turnovers before fouling out late in the match.
Ateneo de Cebu also shot themselves in the foot by committing 28 turnovers and missing 16 free-throws.
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