Zed Etulle delivered in the clutch to help San Beda snap its losing streak in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, pulling off a thrilling 73-72 comeback victory over NCAA defending champion Mapua on Saturday at the PlayTime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Etulle broke free for the go-ahead basket with 23.9 seconds left off a heads-up pass from Yukien Andrada, capping a 6-0 finishing run for the Red Lions.
The clutch play came after Nygel Gonzales missed a layup, but Andrada — a graduating senior — hustled for the offensive rebound and found Etulle cutting to the basket.
“I just asked the players to show some effort, some grit, and some effort in today’s game,” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta.
The Red Lions did exactly that, storming back from a 12-point third-quarter deficit. Andrada led the way with 16 points built on four triples and grabbed six rebounds, including that crucial one in the final minute.
Janti Miller, the Fil-Am first-year wing who has been impressive all tournament long, poured in 13 points — including four of San Beda’s last six points — along with three boards. Jomel Puno added 14 points and eight rebounds.
San Beda’s defense locked in during the endgame, forcing Clint Escamis into two misses and the Cardinals into two costly turnovers.
The Cardinals were in control late, holding a 72-67 lead with 2:11 to go, but couldn’t hold off San Beda’s rally.
With the loss, Mapua dropped its second straight game and fell to 4-4.
Cyril Gonzales topped the scoring for Mapua with 23 points.
(C) Mags Reyes
With the Cardinals’ defeat, Arellano climbed to solo fourth in the NCAA group thanks to a 92-76 rout of winless San Sebastian.
Maverick Vinoya led the Chiefs with 21 points as they extended their win streak to four and improved to 5-3.
Rookie Dre Miller also impressed for Arellano, coming off the bench to score 10 points in just nine minutes of action.
(C) Mags Reyes
Meanwhile, Perpetual remained on a roll with a 94-79 dismantling of Lyceum to tie Mapua at 4-4.
Kenji Duremdes tallied 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists to lead the Altas, while Shawn Orgo added 14 markers in their third consecutive victory.
Renz Villegas had 20 points and three boards for the Pirates, who dropped to 1-6, while the Golden Stags exited the preseason tournament winless despite a 15-point, five-assist effort from Ian Cuajao.
The Scores:
First Game
AU 92— Vinoya 21, Miller 10, Valencia 8, Geronimo 7, Ongotan 6, Cabotaje 5, Flores 5, Hernal 4, Borromeo 4, Libang 4, Abiera 4, Langit 3, Espiritu 3, Demetria 2, Buenaventura 2, Camay 0
SSC-R 76— Cuajao 15, Felebrico 12, Castor 8, Nepacena 8, Lumanag 8, Dela Rama 7, Dimaunahan 5, Cabilla 5, Gabat 4, Ricio 4, Gomez de Liaño 0, Lumbo 0, Pillado 0
Quarterscores: 21-22, 43-41, 69-58, 92-76
Second Game
UPHSD 94— Duremdes 15, Orgo 14, Alcantara 11, Abis 10, Sleat 9, Cristino 8, Maglupay 6, Casinillo 5, Gojo Cruz 5, Boral 3, Pizzaro 3, Nunez 2, Gelsano 2, Roluna 1, Tulabut 0, Magdangal 0
LPU 79— Villegas 20, Peñafiel 13, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Aurigue 9, Barba 6, Versoza 5, Casiño 2, Pallingayan 2, Matienzo 1, Aviles 1, Paulo 0, Almario 0, Fuentes 0
Quarterscores: 23-14, 45-32, 68-48, 94-79
Third Game
SBU 73— Andrada 16, Puno 14, Miller 13, Etulle 11, Culdora 7, Hawkins 4, Gonzales 3, Lina 2, Vailoces 2, Celzo 1, Jamora 0, Calimag 0, Bonzalida 0
MU 72— Gonzales 23, Gulapa 13, Recto 8, Escamis 7, Cuenco 6, Delos Reyes 6, Igliane 5, Sapasap 4, Callangan 0, Lazarte 0, Concepcion 0
Quarterscores: 21-22, 42-44, 52-64, 73-72
