By MARK REY MONTEJO
Rookie Jomel Puno took charge in the crunch and San Beda foiled University of Perpetual Help’s upset bid, 62-60, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Puno was at his best in the payoff period, scoring 9 of his 12 points – none bigger than the putback he made that gave them a 62-58 advantage with 39.6 seconds remaining.
The Lions then tightened up their defensive screws to frustrate the Altas.
The win was San Beda’s fifth in seven starts while handing the Altas their fifth defeat in 8 games.
Puno was almost everywhere he collared 17 boards, a performance seldom seen from a newcomer.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta emphasized that their defense was the key to their win apart from Puno’s splendid performance.
“I like how we pick up defensively, especially the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. They really helped one another to make the stops,” said Escueta.
“The defense talaga ang nagpalamang samin,” he added.
Peter Alfaro logged nine points while Nygel Gonzales and Oliver Tagle provided ample support by scoring eight points apiece.
Jacob Cortez had a quiet day with six points, four rebounds and three assists.
For a while, the Altas looked headed to a big win when they took a 52-38 but fell into a maze of errors – no thanks to San Beda’s stingy defense.
That allowed San Beda to cut Perpertual’s lead down to 54-49.
Then came Puno’s big show with the rookie scoring a triple in an 8-1 run that gave them the lead, 57-55.
Marcus Nitura, who listed 15 points, put Perpetual back on the driver’s seat with a triple, but it proved to be their last hurrah.
First Game
SAN BEDA 62- Puno 12, Alfaro 9, Gonzales 8, Tagle 8, Payosing 7, Cortez 6, Andrada 5, Jopia 4, Visser 3, Gallego 0, Cuntapay 0, Royo 0.
UPHSD 60- Nitura 15, Pagaran 14, Roque 10, Omega 7, Razon 6, Abis 6, Nunez 2, Barcuma 0, Ferreras 0, Boral 0, Orgo 0.
Quarters: 15-21; 28-39; 47-54; 62-60.
