Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8) – Big man JB Bahio scored the game-winning putback in the paint with less than a second left in the classic game that saw the San Beda University Red Lions escaping the San Sebastian College Golden Stags, 61-60, in NCAA Season 97 on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
With over six seconds left off a timeout called by head coach Boyet Fernandez, the Red Lions facilitated the ball for the shot until guard Ralph Penuela muscled his strength to the inside for a wild assist.
The Penuela assist – which seemed to look like a layup attempt – went to the hands of the wide open Bahio, who converted the game winner.
The Stags failed to deliver a shot in the final 0.4 seconds of the game.
San Beda – which extended its unbeaten slate to 4-0 – was on the verge of losing the contest after top scorer James Kwekuteye committed a turnover while setting the ball halfcourt off pressuring San Sebastian defender Rommel Calahat.
Arjan Dela Cruz made a crucial assist from his inbound pass as Calahat got past the screen and raced back Red Lions defenders, before converting the wide open basket in the inside to retake the lead at 60-59.
The next possession saw a Stags foul before the ensuing play that led to Bahio delivering the game winning bucket.
Kwekuteye led San Beda with 11 points while Peter Alfaro added 10 markers in their sensational win that saw some exciting lead changes and a highly physical game.
JM Calma topscored for San Sebastian – which fell to a 1-3 slate – with a double-double effort of 12 points and 15 rebounds.
The Red Lions will take a week-long break before plunging back into action against the Arellano Chiefs on April 17 while the Stags will face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Wednesday noon.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 61 – Kwekuteye 11, Alfaro 10, Abuda 8, Gallego 6, Andrada 5, Bahio 4, Amsali 4, Jopia 4, Visser 4, Villejo 3, Penuela 2, Sanchez 0, Cuntapay 0, Ynot 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 60 – Calma 12, Calahat 10, Sumoda 8, Are 7, Villapando 6, Una 6, Dela Cruz 3, Altamirano 3, Shanoda 3, Felebrico 2, Desoyo 0, Loristo 0, Cosari 0
Quarterscores: 12-15, 36-30, 45-45, 61-60
