Without its top scorer and coach in the dying moments, La Salle Green Hills still managed to eke out a thrilling 81-70 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball tournament on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Greenies lost both MVP contender Guillian Quines and head coach Renren Ritualo to ejections in the final 1:14 of the fourth quarter due to second infractions of a technical foul.
LSGH, however, didn't waver despite the EAC comeback.
The Brigadiers were able to cut the deficit to a single digit after EJ Castillo made two technical free throws and Clint Bonus split his own charities, 77-70.
But Ram Sharma and Gian Gomez converted crucial baskets that put the punctuation for the Greenies, who are marching to their Final Four return after missing out last year.
Despite his ejection, Quines still emerged as the top scorer with his 25-point outing together with five rebounds and one assist while Dale Ortega chipped in 14 markers, two boards, and one dime. Sharma strung together a double-double effort of 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Unfortunately, Quines and Ritualo are suspended for the next game due to league rules that hand players and coaches automatic one-game ban after a game ejection.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
