By: Joaquin Cortez
San Beda University held its nerve in a gritty affair, escaping Jose Rizal University, 65-62, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Originally scheduled for Sept. 18, the game was postponed after a roof leak caused condensation to form on the court, rendering the playing surface unsafe.
After dropping their season opener to the College of Saint Benilde, the Red Lions have now won their last two games to improve to 2-1, while the Bombers also fell to 2-1.
Tied at 57-all, the Red Lions and Bombers traded blows in the fourth quarter, with neither side able to pull away. Eligado and Chris Hubilla then sparked a quick 5-0 run to give JRU a 62-57 lead.
However, the Red Lions refused to go away, answering with a 6-0 run of their own. Andrei Ugaddan buried a three-pointer to put San Beda ahead, 63-62, with 1:23 remaining, before Sean Torculas knocked down two free throws to stretch the lead to three, 65-62.
After Anfernee Estacio missed a three-pointer that could have extended San Beda’s lead to six, Salvador had a chance to tie the game and force overtime. His attempt hit all cylinders before eventually bouncing out, sealing the Red Lions’ victory.
San Beda will next face Mapua University on Monday, Sept. 28, at 3:00 p.m., while the Bombers will take on Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:00 p.m.
