MANILA – Zedjay Etulle converted a go-ahead basket as San Beda University Red Lions pulled off a 73-72 escape over Mapua University Cardinals in the Playtime Cares 18th FilOil Preseason Cup on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan City.
Down 67-72 with over two minutes left, the Red Lions responded with a basket and two free throws from Agjanti Miller to cut the deficit to 71-72 with over a minute remaining in the contest.
The Red Lions completed their run with a conversion from Etulle from a pass by Yukien Andrada with 24 seconds left. The Cardinals still had a chance to win the game but Clint Escamis missed his three-point attempt.
The Makato, Aklan-native Etulle finished with match with 11 points, including two three-point conversions, to go with two rebounds and two assists as the Red Lions snapped a two-game losing skid to improve to a 2-3 win-loss slate.
Andrada top-scored for the Red Lions with 16 points, with four outside conversions, Jomel Puno added 14 markers and eight rebounds, while Miller tallied 13 points, with two triples.
“I just asked the players to show some effort, some grit, and some effort in today’s game,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta after the game.
Cyril Gonzales led the way for the reigning NCAA champions Cardinals with 23 points, with two outside connections, while Joemakio Gulapa added 13 markers as they dropped to a 4-4 record.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Altas (4-4) scored a lopsided 94-79 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates (1-6). Kenji Duremdes top-scored for the Altas with 15 points.
Arellano University Chiefs (5-3), on the other hand, continued their winning run with a 92-76 rout over San Sebastian College Golden Stags (0-9). King Maverick Vinoya top-scored for Arellano with 21 points./PN
