Pat Pasinos once again came through in the clutch, drilling the go-ahead basket to lift La Salle Green Hills past Emilio Aguinaldo College–Immaculate Concepcion Academy, 91-89, and secure the solo lead in Group B of the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Basketball Tournament, Saturday at the Filoil Centre.
With 18 seconds remaining and the Greenies trailing 88-89, Pasinos drove to the lane and sank a difficult shot over two defenders, giving LSGH the lead.
On the ensuing possession, James Castro missed his attempt, leading to a split on the free throws by Camillo Jugo that extended the lead to three points.
In the final possession, Castro missed a triple that sealed LSGH’s second win of the tournament.
Pasinos, who had 20 points and 15 rebounds in their 67-59 win over San Beda–Rizal, contributed nine points, four rebounds, and a block against EAC-ICA, ensuring the 25-point effort of Josef Calo-oy did not go to waste.
Jugo added 15 points, five assists, and two steals, while Jaime Hizon and Andre Bautista chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
(C) GMA/NCAA
In the earlier Group A matchup, Malayan High School edged debuting Arellano, 83-80, bouncing back from a stunning 74-66 loss to Lyceum–Cavite on opening day.
Kean Dungca led five Red Robins in double figures with 21 points and five rebounds.
Froilan Reyes added 13 points and seven rebounds; Gabriel Mercado scored 12 points; Chris Parame posted 10 points and 14 rebounds; and Jhillian Palis contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four steals to even Malayan’s record.
Sean Franco led the Arellano Braves with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Ray Ladica and Chris Dy added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
James Castro fired a season-high 26 points for the Brigadiers, with Kelly Coronel adding 15 points and seven boards.
Tristan Allam also recorded a double-double for EAC-ICA with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
