By MARK REY MONTEJO
San Beda edged Jose Rizal University, 74-69, to bolster its Final Four campaign in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Red Lions banked on the hot hands of Yukien Andrada, who registered 18 points while hauling three rebounds and dishing off two steals.
The victory improved San Beda’s record to a 10-6, tying a College of St. Benilde for third to fourth places.
JRU slipped to 10-7, putting its Final Four bid in peril.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said paid tribute to the team’s fluid offensive plays that saw them break JRU’s defense time and again.
They were also extra sharp from way beyond the 3-point arc by nailing 10 three-pointers including four from Andrada.
Two other San Beda players – Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez – scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Bombers made a final push and pulled within three, 69-66, with 1:26 left in the game, but it proved to be the closest they can as San Beda made crucial plays to finally prevail.
JL Delos Santos paced JRU with 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and five blocks while Shawn Argente added 15 points for the Heavy Bombers, who still remained in Final Four contention despite slipping to a 10-6 record.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 74 –Andrada 18, Puno 13, Cortez 12, Payosing 12, Gonzales 6, Alfaro 6, Royo 3, Jopia 2, Visser 2, Cuntapay 0, Tagle 0.
JRU 69 – Delos Santos 15, Argente 15, Guiab 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 7, Miranda 6, Medina 2, Sarmiento 2, De Leon 2, Arenal 0, Sy 0, Ramos 0, Pabico 0, Mosqueda 0.
Quarters: 20-16; 41-35; 59-51; 74-69.
