San Beda University sent Mapua University’s Final Four hopes crashing as it took a 71-63 victory on Saturday in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the win, the Red Lions’ final four chances were boosted as they are now 10-5, while closing the playoff hopes of the Cardinals who have dropped to 6-10.
San Beda completed its revenge on Mapua as well as it was the Cardinals that eliminated them in the semifinals in Season 97.
After trailing most of the game, Jomer Mercado finally cut the deficit to just a point, 61-62 with 4:38 left in the payoff period.
San Beda answered back as they sparked a 5-0 swing highlighted by a James Kwekuteye triple, 67-61.
Paolo Hernandez refused to lose, driving to the basket, and sinking a layup to be within four, 63-67 after entering the final minute mark.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Kwekuteye hit a three-point dagger at exactly one minute left in the game, 70-63.
“Mapua was the one who eliminated them last season so hindi ko na sinabi sa kanila eh. Sila na lang mismo ang nag-motivate sa kanila and it’s an opportunity for them to get the win and bonus na lang siguro ‘yung Mapua ‘yung natalo nila and na-eliminate pa nila ‘yung Mapua,” said SBU head coach Yuri Escueta.
Before that, Mapua was up 25-21 in the first half but San Beda rallied a 15-4 blast after two unsportsmanlike fouls and a technical foul on the Cardinals side.
The Red Lions eventually had a five-point lead at the end of the first half, 39-34.
San Beda completed its revenge against Mapua after eliminating them in the semifinals last season 97.
James Kwekuteye scored a game-high 25 points together with six boards, two assists, and three steals, while Justine Sanchez finished with 11 markers and nine rebounds.
Warren Bonifacio led the Cardinals with 21 points and seven rebounds. JJ Pido got 13 markers, five boards, and five dimes.
The San Beda triumph also shun the door for University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and Arellano University who are now out of the final four contention.
Next up for both teams is Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The Red Lions will look to complete the elimination sweep against their rival on Wednesday, 3 PM. The Cardinals, on the other hand, will have a one week breaking before facing the defending champions on Saturday at 12 NN.
The Scores:
San Beda 71 — Kwekuteye 25, Sanchez 11, Ynot 9, Andrada 7, Cortez 5, Cuntapay 5, Visser 4, Bahio 2, Cometa 2, Alfaro 1, Payosing 0, Penuela 0.
Mapua 63 — Bonifacio 21, Pido 13, Hernandez 12, Nocum 7, Salenga 4, Mercado 2, Cuenco 2, Soriano 2, Garcia 0, Agustin 0, Lacap 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16, 39-34, 52-45, 71-63.
