San Beda University banked on a second-half surge to overcome the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 71-63, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With their third straight win, the Red Lions improved to 5-2 and remained third in Group A.
“At halftime, I was just telling them just to focus defensively and the offense will take care of itself,” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta.
The Altas led by as many as 10 points before the Red Lions fought back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to one, 34-33, at halftime.
San Beda then went on a tear to start the third quarter, opening the period with an 11-0 run while keeping Perpetual scoreless for four minutes.
The Altas relied on a collective effort from their scorers to cut the deficit to five heading into the final frame.
That proved to be the limit of Perpetual’s comeback, however, as the Red Lions quickly restored a 10-point advantage after the Altas trimmed the gap to 60-55 early in the fourth quarter.
“The other games, I didn’t play too well, but as long as the team’s winning, that’s all that matters,” said Jomel Puno.
“If they need me and I’m able to step up, that would also be good for me, I guess,” he added.
Puno led San Beda with a game-high 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
Kyle Jamora finished with 14 points, while RC Calimag added 12.
Aldous Torculas anchored the Red Lions on defense while also contributing nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
JM Tulabut, who powered the Altas with 12 points in the first half, was shut down by San Beda’s defense after the break and managed just two more points for the rest of the game.
He was Perpetual’s lone double-digit scorer.
The Altas fell to 2-4 and are now tied with Emilio Aguinaldo College for second-to-last place in Group B after suffering their third straight loss.
Perpetual will next face Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday, Oct. 13, while San Beda takes on Arellano University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Scores:
San Beda 71 – Puno 15, Jamora 14, RC Calimag 12, Torculas 9, Reyes 6, Marcelo 5, Hawkins 4, Lina 3, Etulle 3, Efron 0, Ugaddan 0, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Ri. Calimag 0.
Perpetual 63 – Tulabut 14, Borja 9, Gojo Cruz 8, Gelsano 7, Orgo 6, Maglupay 6, Casinillo 6, Duremdes 5, Corpuz 1, Cristino 1, Cauguiran 0.
Quarterscores: 15-20, 33-34, 55-50, 71-63.
