THE La Salle Greenhills Greenies got big plays in the endgame from Vincent Joshua David and repulsed the Arellano University Braves, 77-70, Monday to move into contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four semifinals of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball Tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
David, a six-foot shooting forward, scored 12 points, including two crucial charities in the last 1:03, giving them a 74-69 lead and helping foil the Braves’ bid to stay in solo second.
He then stole off Braves’ ace scorer Guilmer de la Torre and assisted Unique Naboa for a crucial layup in the last 53.9 seconds as the Greenies grabbed a seven-point edge, 76-69.
Troy Mallinlin led with 20 points and 18 rebounds for the Greenies, who claimed their ninth consecutive victory from a total of 13 wins in 16 games, plus a share of second spot with the Braves.
The Braves got 27 points from De la Torre, and will need to win their last two games to stay in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive.
“Lahat sila ready to step up, ready to contribute. Iyan ang bumubuhay sa amin. We are now on a streak. We were taking things one game at a time. Before we knew it, it was already a streak,” said LSGH coach Marvin Bienvenida.
The Red Cubs got crucial shots from Joshua Tagala, who had a game-high 17 points and fended off the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers, 86-79, to stay in contention for the no. 1 seeding with their 15-1 slate.
The Mapua Red Robins, behind Jasper Salenga with 27 points, prevailed over the Letran Squires, 86-77, and improved their record in fourth at 12-3.
The Brigadiers, with Kerby Dulatre hitting 21 points kept the Red Cubs on their toes in the dying seconds after threatening, 80-82, off Maui Cruz’s charities.
But, Tagala’s putback and two charities in the ensuing play kept the Red Cubs ahead.