San Beda A overcame Mario Reyes’ explosion for Aquinas to book a Finals stint in Pinoyliga Cup

San Beda University Team A overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the semifinals and marched their way to the Pinoyliga Cup Division B 38Up Finals after defeating Aquinas Exile, 76-67,  Saturday afternoon at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

Britt Reroma had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to lead San Beda A to claim the Player of the Game honor.

Aquinas controlled the majority of the game at the start. Mario Reyes caught fire early for Aquinas as he scored 9 of his game-high 39 points in the first quarter. Aquinas also outrebounded SBU and held them to a 5/22 shooting from the field en route to a three-point lead at the end of the first, 18-15.

Tables had turned at the second quarter as San Beda maxed its defense and outhustled Aquinas at every opportunity. Reroma and Ernest Medina both also had 7 points for SBU in the quarter to provide the offense and took a 40-34 lead entering halftime.

Mario Reyes single-handedly carried Aquinas in the third quarter. He almost outscored the whole San Beda alone, scoring 16 of Aquinas’ 21 points in the third. He was also perfect from the field, going 6/6. But Reroma and Shintaro Dela Cruz joined forces to counter Reyes and help SBU hold the lead entering the fourth, 57-55.

Reroma had 8 points and Reyes with 9 as they continued to score for their respective teams in the fourth but SBU was able to maintain their lead until the final second thanks to a tighter defense and better field goal conversions which eventually sealed the win.

Shintaro Dela Cruz provided support to Reroma for UE as he collected 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists while Ernest Medina registered 11 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist.

Mario Reyes finished with 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist and no other Aquinas Exile player scored in double figures.

San Beda A 76 - Reroma 23, Dela Cruz 18, Medina 11, Webber 8, Agarao 7, Capistrano 4, Roldan 2, Cajucom 2, Maggay 1, Cristobal 0, Gonzales 0, Santos 0, Manalo 0.

Aquinas Exile 76 - Reyes 39, Ochengco 6, Colmenares 4, De Luna 4, Duruin 4, Rivera 4, Valencia 3, Lachica 2, Yu 1, Dela Cruz 0, Tungala 0.