Tripple B got its revenge against St. Paul College of Pasig (SPCP), clinching a 41-31 semifinal victory in the Akari U16 Girls’ Basketball Invitational at the AYSN Sports Center, P. Tuazon on Friday.
With the win, Tripple B advanced to the championship game, where they will face elimination-round tormentor University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Growling Tigresses in a highly anticipated rematch.
Tyler Templo and Kairi Ebao powered Tripple B’s run, scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively. The duo also dominated the boards—Templo pulled down 12 rebounds, while Ebao collected a massive 21.
Templo gave Tripple B its largest lead of the game at 35-22 with 8:15 left in regulation. SPCP managed to trim the deficit to nine, but back-to-back baskets by Ebao and Matia Molina re-established a 13-point cushion, 41-28, with just over a minute to play.
Zoe Fernandez knocked down a three-pointer late, but it wasn’t enough as Tripple B sealed the win.
Brooklyn Sanchez led St. Paul with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Fernandez added 11 points and seven boards.
The finals will take place on Sunday, June 22, at 3:15 PM at Victoria Sports Tower, where Tripple B will challenge the undefeated UST for the Akari U16 crown.
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