San Beda University averted a fourth quarter collapse to escape longtime rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 77-68, and conclude its elimination round in the NCAA Season 99 on a high note on Friday.
The Red Lions will head to the Final Four riding a four-game winning streak (12-6), a much-needed momentum especially against their semis foe Lyceum of the Philippines University that is armed with a twice-to-beat bonus.
San Beda could not easily shake Letran off in the first half, which still ended with the Mendiola crew enjoying a 41-33 lead. However, the succeeding quarters saw the Red Lions create some separation from the Knights.
Back-to-back triples from big men Jomel Puno and Damie Cuntapay highlighted San Beda’s pivotal 19-10 run that gave them a 60-43 cushion in the third, but that was trimmed to just five late in the fourth when Kobe Monje and Jay Garupil powered a 10-2 run, 67-62, to breathe life back to their game.
Garupil, who was filling the void left by injured team captain Kurt Reyson, then had a crucial steal against Jacob Cortez and a basket that made it a 71-68 affair in the final two minutes. Cortez then quickly redeemed himself, soaring for a long jumper to give his side a 74-68 upper hand before he fired a dagger triple to seal the win.
Cortez tallied a team-high 17 points alongside two rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Jomel Puno chipped in 15 markers, six boards, and dimes as San Beda completed an elimination round sweep of the Knights.
Third year Kobe Monje paced the Knights with a double-double 17 points and 11 rebounds alongside two assists and two steals while Deo Cuajao chipped in 15 markers, two boards, and one dime in the loss that sent the Knights to a dismal 2-16 card.
Scores:
San Beda 77- Cortez 17, Puno 15, Jopia 11, Andrada 10, Cubtapay 9, Alfaro 6, Payosing 4, Tagle 3, Visser 2, Gonzales 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0.
Letran 68- Monje 17, Cuajao 15, Ariar 13, Garupil 8, Santos 7, Go 3, Bojorcelo 2, Nunag 2, Jumao-as 1, Batallier 0, Brilliantes 0, Bautista 0.
Quarterscores: 14-16; 41-33; 60-48; 77-68.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
