St. John’s Institute ended its campaign in the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas National Junior Championship by bowing to Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori from Cagayan de Oro, 112-116, in yesterday’s semifinals in Baguio City.

Leland Dusaban led the Falcons’ scorers with 32 points, as he carried the scoring cudgels after SJI main man Kirell Brahndon Montalbo got injured early in the game.

It was a high-scoring game as the Falcons matched CDO’s run and gun game and booked a 31-29 lead in the first quarter.

The Johnians managed to get their offense going despite Montalbo getting pushed and bumped at every turn by the more seasoned players from Sacred Heart’s side.

From the sidelines, SJI principal Fr. Emil Escaño, Msgr. Noly Que, and Fr. Clarence Canafe, who were attending a forum in Baguio, watched the Falcons play in the first half

Thirdy Montinola scored 8 of his 11 points in the first quarter as Montalbo and Carlo Sian delivered six points apiece, Dusaban added five points and Alex Rojas with four points.

Despite playing hurt in the second quarter, Montalbo still delivered seven points for SJI, while Dusaban stepped up and hit 10 points as the Falcons held on to a four-point lead at halftime, 60-56.

Deciding not to risk more injuries for Montalbo, coach Dexter Dy sparingly used him in the second half, allowed the CDO team to catch up and claim the momentum.

Dusaban had 13 points in the third quarter and Jai Arroyo contributed six points and Rojas and Sian chipped in four points each, as SJI refused to yield.

The team from Bacolod City will play for third place today against University of Sto. Tomas, who also fell against University of Visayas in the other semifinal game yesterday. UV and Sacred Heart will play for the championship.*NAB

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