Defending champion San Beda University survived Letran’s spirited challenge and pulled off a 70-66 win to stay unbeaten after five games in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
In a battle between two of the league’s most successful teams, it was the Lions who proved steadier in the crunch, coming through with big defensive plays to grab the solo lead in the tournament that saw its two playing dates this week cancel due to foul weather.
While they sustained their winning streak, the Lions snapped Letran’s own run to five games.
Evan Nelle, who sparked the team’s fiery start, led the Lions with 18 points, including a split that gave them a 70-63 lead with less two minutes left.
The Knights dropped to fourth at 5-2.
San Beda’s win pushed idle College of St. Benilde and Lyceum to second and third with 4-0 and 5-1 records, respectively.
Meantime, members of the Management Committee (MANCOM) turned over the P100,000 cash donation to Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco during halftime .
The donation is for the victims of the 5.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the province on July 27.
