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 suffered their first loss of the season to also fall to 2-1.
The game remained competitive throughout the 40 minutes, with the largest lead coming at just six points. It also featured eight deadlocks and seven lead changes.
“The players really wanted to win today. We know how important this game is for us, especially in this first round. I have to give it to them. They were down five with two minutes, and they never quit,” San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said. “I told them at the start of the ball game that we just have to stick to our identity, and they did, so hats off to them for being able to execute.”
Tied at 57-all, the Red Lions and Bombers traded blows in the fourth quarter, with neither side able to pull away. Jahmir Eligado and Chris Hubilla then sparked a quick 5-0 run to give Jose Rizal a 62-57 lead.
However, the Red Lions refused to go away, holding JRU scoreless in the final three minutes while answering with a 6-0 run of their own.
After Hubilla’s and-one conversion, rookie Andrei Ugaddan buried a three-pointer from the left corner to put San Beda ahead, 63-62, with 1:23 remaining.
Sean Salvador had one last chance to tie the game and force overtime, but his three-point attempt went in and out of the cylinder, sealing the Red Lions’ victory.
Torculas led the Red Lions with 29 points and six rebounds, while Ugaddan finished with 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Hubilla spearheaded JRU’s offense with 14 points and three assists, followed by Eligado with 13 points and seven rebounds. Salvador added 11 points, while Nygel Mangubat had 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
San Beda will next face Mapúa University on Monday, Sept. 28, at 3 p.m., while the Bombers will take on Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m.
The Scores:
San Beda 65 – Torculas 29, Ugaddan 11, Marcelo 5, Etulle 5, Estacio 4, Hawkins 4,Puno 3, Reyes 2, Lina 2, Jamora 0, Bonzalida 0, Songcuya 0, Calimag 0.
José Rizal 62- Hubilla 14, Eligado 13, Salvador 11, Mangubat 10, Garcia 6, Laurenaria 3, Garupil 3, Palis 2, Masiglat 0, Agemenyi 0,Duque 0, Bagro 0.
Quarterscores: 14-19, 34-33, 49-49, 65-62.
