CLOSE FIGHT. San Beda University’s Jomel Puno looks for an opening during the National Collegiate Athletics Association Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Saturday (Oct. 5, 2024). The Red Lions prevailed over the University of Perpetual Help, 63-62. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – San Beda University survived the University of Perpetual Help's fourth-quarter rally to prevail, 63-62, in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Saturday.
Jomel Puno fired three triples to finish with 16 points and eight rebounds as the Red Lions improved to 5-3 for third place.
Yukien Andrada chipped in 11 points, including triples, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while RJ Calimag added 10 points for San Beda, which posted its biggest lead at 60-49.
However, Perpetual rallied within 62-63 after Cedrick Abis sank his second triple, with 1:45 minutes remaining.
Abis had 14 points and four rebounds for the Altas, who took their fifth loss against four wins.
Shawn Orgo contributed 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals while Mark Gojo Cruz also made 10 points on top of five rebounds.
In the other game, Colegio de San Juan de Letran defeated the Lyceum of the Philippines, 78-66, to keep solo second at 6-3, behind College of Saint Benilde and Mapua University, which share the lead at 6-2.
Sherick Estrada had 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Kevin Santos added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for the Knights, who padded their 57-47 third-quarter lead to 78-63.
Kobe Monje had 11 points, while Nat Montecillo and Paolo Javillonar added nine points each.
John Barba delivered 24 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Renz Villegas had 14 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists for the Pirates, who joined the Altas in fourth place. (PNA)
