MANILA — Rookie Andrei Ugaddan buried back-to-back three-pointers in a decisive late-game surge as defending champion San Beda University escaped Jose Rizal University, 65-62, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Ugaddan delivered when the Red Lions needed him most, personally erasing a five-point deficit in the closing minutes before Sean Torculas sealed the victory from the free-throw line.
The rookie guard finished with 11 points, including three triples, and three rebounds as San Beda improved to a 2-1 win-loss record.
JRU appeared poised to take control after building a 62-57 advantage late in the fourth quarter, but Ugaddan quickly turned the game around.
He drilled consecutive three-pointers for a personal 6-0 run, pushing San Beda ahead, 63-62, with 1:23 remaining.
Jahmir Eligado had an opportunity to restore JRU’s lead but missed a midrange jumper. Torculas grabbed the rebound and drew a foul before calmly sinking two free throws for a 65-62 San Beda cushion with 1:07 left.
“‘Wag lang kaming hihinto. We had to play until matapos tong game,” said Torculas, who finished with a game-high 29 points and six rebounds. “I’m grateful. Just grateful for this win.”
The Heavy Bombers still had one final opportunity after miscues from both sides. Sean Salvador launched a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer, but the ball went in and out of the rim, allowing the Red Lions to preserve the three-point victory.
San Beda overcame a 19-14 first-quarter deficit and took a slim 34-33 halftime advantage before the teams entered the final period deadlocked at 49-all.
Chris Hubilla paced JRU with 14 points and three rebounds, while Eligado contributed 13 points. Salvador had 11 points, while Laurence Mangubat tallied 10 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The loss also left the Heavy Bombers with a 2-1 record./PN
BOX SCORE
SBU 65 — Torculas 29, Ugaddan 11, Marcelo 5, Etulle 5, Estacio 4, Hawkins 4, Puno 3, Reyes 2, Lina 2, Jamora 0, Bonzalida 0, Songcuya 0, Calimag 0.
JRU 62 — Hubilla 14, Eligado 13, Salvador 11, Mangubat 10, Garcia 6, Laurenaria 3, Garupil 3, Palis 2, Masiglat 0, Agemenyi 0, Duque 0, Bagro 0.
Quarter scores: 14-19, 34-33, 49-49, 65-62.
