University of Perpetual Help got back at first-round tormentor Mapua, 96-91, to book a historic finals appearance in NCAA Season 99 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Sunday, March 10.
The Junior Altas found an unlikely hero in seldom-used Jan Roluna, who came through with his best game thus far as he unleashed 22 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter when they sealed the win and a date with destiny.
It marked the first time that UPHSD, owned by Dr. Antonio Tamayo and whose best finish was third 13 years ago, has made it to the finals since it joined the league in 1984.
In the best-of-three finale starting Saturday at the same venue, the Johp Cleopas-mentored Junior Altas will have a clear shot at earning a breakthrough high school championship.
They will face the back-to-back seeking Letran, which clobbered San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 91-77.
And Roluna was at the center of it all as he only played three games and averaged four points in just a little over nine minutes in action prior to the Final Four.
He highligted his heroics with 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Lebron Jhames Daep had his own share of brilliance with a 22-point, six-board, three-assist and two-block effort while skipper Amiel Acido did the rest with 20 points, six caroms and five dimes.
UPHSD also avenged its 72-71 elimination round defeat last Feb. 25, which was the only dent to the squad’s near-perfect elimination campaign.
The scores:
First Game
UPHSD 96- Daep 22, Roluna 22, Acido 20, Gojo Cruz 11, Borja 8, Diaz 5, Pagilayan 5, Asuncion 3, Callangan 0, Wayne Valencia 0, Cristino 0, Ayon 0.
Mara 91- Salvador 26, Mangubat 23, Duque 14, Valina 9, Rodriguez 6, Masiglat 4, Coronel 3, Palis 2, Mulingtapang 2, Malaga 2, Mananquil 0, Go 0, Bagro 0.
Quarters: 26-19; 46-45; 67-66; 96-91.
