Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) – San Beda University Red Lions successfully maintained their composure to avert a late game collapse against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 85-81, in NCAA Season 97 on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
James Kwekuteye led San Beda in scoring with 16 points, followed by the 15-point production of JV Gallego.
The Red Lions also got reliable contributions from prized rookie big man Rhayvan Amsali and playmaker Ralph Penuela, who chipped in 13 points each to maintain their unbeaten slate after two games.
The Generals surprisingly closed in themselves against their multi-titled foes, who have always been dominating them in the past seasons, in the first half as a deadlock ensued in halftime at 41-all.
In the third period, San Beda flashed its revered offense to post a 68-54 margin before EAC cagers JP Maguliano and Marwin Taywan scored buckets for a 12-point deficit after the quarter.
The Boyet Fernandez-helmed Red Lions look comfortable for the victory with a 77-68 lead, benefiting from Penuela’s timely shots.
EAC mounted a mini scoring comeback in the dying seconds with back-to-back threes from Taywan and top scorer Ralph Robin, who finished with 19 points.
The late Generals rally was not enough to snatch the victory as they fell to a 0-2 slate, tied with Lyceum Pirates at the bottom of the team standings.
“This team is a very dangerous team with (Kriss) Gurtiza and Taywan there,” said Fernandez. “We cannot underestimate this team.”
San Beda will battle Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in their next game on Sunday at 3 p.m., while EAC hopes to get their first win in the tournament against Lyceum on Saturday at the same time.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 85 – Canlas 16, Gallego 15, Amsali 13, Penuela 13, Alfaro 9, Bahio 5, Andrada 4, Abuda 3, Sanchez 3, Ynot 3, Cuntapay 1, Cometa 0, Visser 0, Jopia 0, Villejo 0.
EAC 81 – Robin 19, Maguliano 14, Taywan 13, Luciano 9, Liwag 7, Quinal 6, Fuentes 6, Ad. Doria 3, Bunyi 2, Gurtiza 2, Cosa 0, Umpad 0, An. Doria 0.
Quarterscores: 20-17, 41-41, 70-58, 85-81
