COLLEGE of St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo College forged a showdown for the Pinoyliga Next Man cUP Season 3 championship after disposing their respective semifinals opponents Thursday at the Enderun Colleges gym.
The Blazers downed the New Era University Hunters 75-67, while the Generals scored a stunning 86-83 upset of the favored Green Archers.
Jio Gonzaga led CSB with 12 points, while Shawn Umali and Jericho Jalalon contributed 10 apiece for the Blazers, who held New Era to just 38 percent shooting from the field (27-of-70).
Tristan Tolentino led New Era with 14 points while four others also scored in double digits, with James Manzano adding 13, foreign athlete-student Toritseju Adams with 12, and Vincent Nablo and Aldrin Basabica with 11 and 10, respectively.
EJ Castillo meanwhile, led the Generals with 16 points, while Jearolan Omandac and Marvin James Raymundo added 14 and 13, respectively.
Luis Pablo had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds for La Salle, while Kean Baclaan and Vhoris Marasigan had 17 apiece.
Guard Jacob Cortez, son of former La Salle star Mike Cortez, was held to only seven points.
The finals between CSB and EAC will be played on May 4 at the same venue.
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