Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — The San Beda Red Lions improved their unbeaten slate to 6-0 after trouncing the Perpetual Help Altas, 78-71, in NCAA Season 97 on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
James Kwekuteye again starred for San Beda with 18 points while Yukien Andrada produced his best game in a Red Lion jersey with 15 points, as the Mendiola-based cagers clinched an early spot in the play-in tournament after the eliminations.
The Red Lions asserted their might against the Altas in the first three quarters, leading by as much as 17 points, thanks to their well-balanced scoring effort.
But Perpetual Help threatened an upset in the final minutes of the fourth period with an 8-0 run capped by an under the basket stab from Lean Martel to trim their deficit to seven points, 67-74, with 1:47 remaining in the contest.
San Beda guard Peter Alfaro drained the dagger layup off an Andrada assist in the next possession to final stop Perpetual Help’s late scoring rally.
A victory against the Mapua Cardinals on Saturday will give the Red Lions an outright Final Four berth, with three games left for the team coached by Boyet Fernandez.
Kim Aurin led the Altas with 16 points while Jielo Razon finished with 15 markers, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals as they fell to eighth place with a 2-5 record.
Perpetual Help seeks to bounce back against Lyceum on Sunday.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 78 — Kwekuteye 18, Andrada 15, Amsali 9, Alfaro 9, Cuntapay 6, Ynot 5, Penuela 4, Bahio 4, Jopia 4, Gallego 2, Cometa 2, Villejo 0, Visser 0, Sanchez 0, Abuda 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 71 — Aurin 16, Razon 15, Pagaran 13, Martel 12, Ferreras 3, Boral 3, Egan 2, Sevilla 2, Abis 2, Omega 2, Cuevas 1, Barcuma 0, Nunez 0, Kawamura 0.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 48-34, 64-50, 78-71.
