San Beda University got its revenge on College of Saint Benilde, claiming an 82-69 victory to close out the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament elimination round and secure the top seed in Group A on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre.
The defending champions finished the elimination round with a 10-3 record, tying the JRU Heavy Bombers. However, the Red Lions clinched the top spot by virtue of a superior quotient.
With the top seed secured, San Beda will face the winner of the Group B play-in match between Perpetual Help and San Sebastian in the quarterfinals, where it will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage.
“Sa ensayo, talagang tinatrabaho namin at kita naman, mas pinagbutihan din namin ‘yong defense namin,” said Andrei Ugaddan, who led San Beda with 18 points, five rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Jimmy Reyes added 12 points, while Aldous Torculas and JC Bonzalida chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.rt.
Benilde, which defeated San Beda, 77-68, on opening day, slipped to 8-5 but still secured a quarterfinal spot as Group A’s third seed.
The Blazers will face second-seeded Emilio Aguinaldo College, which holds a twice-to-beat advantage.
Justine Sanchez paced the Blazers with 15 points, while Jhommel Ancheta and Ian Torres contributed 11 and 10, respectively, in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, JRU will take on Arellano University, while Group B top seed Letran awaits the winner of the Mapua-Lyceum play-in match.
The Scores:
San Beda 82 – Ugaddan 18, Reyes 12, Torculas 11, Bonzalida 10, Etulle 8, Jamora 7, Marcelo 6, Jalbuena 4, Lina 3, Puno 2, Calimag 1, Hawkins 0, Dabao 0, Estacio 0
Saint Benilde 69 – Sanchez 15, Ancheta 11, Torres 10, Liwag 7, Morales 6, Celis 5, Galas 5, Jucom 4, Moore 2, Lorenzo 2, Cajucom 2, Jarque 0, Podador 0, Arciaga 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 48-30, 62-49, 82-69
