BACK to the final goes La Salle where it takes aim at history.
The Green Archers put themselves on the cusp of a second straight championship in the World University Basketball Series after outclassing Japan University Select Team (JUBF), 88-75, in the semifinals, Sunday at Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Kean Baclaan ignited the Taft side's second quarter pullaway, as they outscored the selection team, 22-7, to erect a 41-24 halftime edge.
He scored 11 of his 18 points in the first half to make sure the green-and-white continued its title defense.
Mike Phillips was also a force to be reckoned with in the game, collecting 13 points, 13 boards, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, as Doy Dungo and Earl Abadam combined for 21.
With another win in the championship round on Monday, La Salle has a golden opportunity at becoming the first-ever repeat champion in the three-year history of the Japan invitational tournament.
Meeting them there will be the winner of the other semifinal match between Korea University and Nippon Sport Science University.
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If so, the Green Archers will bring back the trophy to the Philippines, even as UAAP titlist University of the Philippines exited without a win in its tourney debut.
Kouki Ishikawa led JUBF with 14 points and three rebounds, while Yu Sato and Eijirou Ogawa scored 11 apiece. They are bound for the bronze medal match.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 88 - Baclaan 18, Phillips 13, Dungo 11, Abadam 10, Melencio 8,88 Cortez 7, Daep 6, Macalalag 5, Marasigan 5, Amos 3, Pablo 2, Gollena 0.
JUBF 75 - Ishikawa 14, Sato 11, Ogawa 11, Takata 10, Akama 10, Wakugawa 9, Kon 8, Ii 2, Sugeno 0, Nakamura 0, Matsumoto 0.
Quarters: 19-17, 41-24, 66-54, 88-75.
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