By CARLO ANOLIN
James Kwekuteye scattered 20 points apart from providing the much-needed hustle down the stretch as San Beda outlasted San Sebastian, 78-71, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Kwekuteye finished with a dismal 6-of-16 shooting from the field but showed steely nerves, making all his seven gift shots apart from contributing three steals and three rebounds.
But it was his hustle more than his offensive production that enabled the Red Lions to repulse SSC’s smoldering comeback after a rip-roaring 25-2 start.
Timely baskets and free throws from Kwekuteye, Winston Ynot, and JB Bahio also helped the Red Lions keep the Stags at bay.
The Red Lions improved to 2-2, tying their victims at the upper half of the standings.
“It’s good that we were able to experience ‘yong mga ganyang game,” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta. “Kasi ‘yong first win namin sa EAC (Emilio Aguinaldo College) malayo lamang. So ngayon, lumayo ‘yong lamang namin, humabol, at the same time kahit papaano na-contain namin ‘yong lead namin.
“Tapos towards the end ang pinakagusto ko is we were able to make stops and get rebounds kaya kami nanalo. Hats off to the guys, sabi ko sa kanila just to compete for every possession.”
The Red Lions uncorked a 6-2 run capped by Kwekuteye’s free throws proved enough to restore order after the Stags pulled to within 59-57 entering the payoff period.
Escueta paid credit to Kwekuteye’s impressive all-around game – especially on the defensive end.
“Hindi ko siya napanood last season. I know he can score but one thing I appreciate what he is doing right now is his defensive side,” said Escueta.
“He is working his effort defensively in getting rebounds. Offensively, he is trying to look where the open teammates are. He is trying to read what the defense is giving plus making good decisions on offense,” he added.
The scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 78 ˗ Kwekuteye 20, Alfaro 11, Bahio 10, Ynot 10, Cortez 6, Tagala 6, Cometa 4, Jopia 4, Andrada 4, Cuntapay 3, Visser 0.
SSC-R 71 ˗ Sumoda 19, Villapando 13, Yambing 13, Desoyo 4, Felebrico 4, Escobido 4, Calahat 3, Shanoda 3, Altamirano 3, Are 3, Una 1, Suico 1, Cosari 0, Concha 0.
Quarters: 30-11, 46-36, 59-57, 78-71.
