DLS-Zobel clinches first PSSBC final

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle-Zobel threw the full weight of its vaunted artillery to crush Hope Christian High School, 110-66, and clinch the first final berth in the 2015 Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup yesterday at the SGS gym in Quezon City.

The Junior Archers struck hard right from the get-go through their patented press, forcing Hope to commit turnover after turnover which they converted into easy baskets that set the tone for the most lopsided win in the week-long tournament.

Working through the dynamic backcourt combo of Aljun Melecio and Marvin Sario, the Junior Archers even took a commanding 26-point lead at the half, a lead that was threatened for some time in the third, but was never really lost.

Robert Mariano then took over the scoring cudgels with eight points in the third period, responding to every Hope rally after the latter cut the lead to 17 in the third.

The Junior Archers will now face the winner of the San Beda - Chiang Kai Shek match in the final of the tournament also sponsored by MEC Networks, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear, Rain or Shine and Blackwater Sports with Molten as official ball.

The winner-take-all match is also scheduled at the SGS gym (along Araneta Avenuie) at 2:45 p.m.today.

“It all started on our defense. Yung offense very unpredictable yun. So it all started from there,” said head coach Boris Aldeguer.

“I knew they were going to press, the good thing the players showed great composure during that stretch,” he added.

Mariano finished with 17 points and eight rebounds for the Junior Archers.

Sario, Melecio and Migs Fortuna all had 14 apiece. In all, the three guards combined for 20 assists.

Ryan Quiambao led the Soldiers with 19 points and six boards as Harvey Pagsanjan was limited to just 12 points, on just four shots.

They also had 34 turnovers which the Junior Archers converted into 33 turnover points.