MANILA — Jomel Puno delivered a crucial basket in the closing seconds as San Beda University Red Lions turned back a late University of Perpetual Help Altas rally to secure a 71-63 victory and extend their winning streak to three games in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Puno finished with a team-high 15 points and three rebounds, including a heavily contested shot in the final minute that extinguished Perpetual Help’s comeback hopes and preserved San Beda’s momentum in the tournament.
The victory improved the Red Lions’ record to 5-2 in Group A, while the struggling Altas absorbed their third consecutive defeat to slip to 2-4 in Group B.
San Beda appeared headed for a comfortable finish after establishing a 65-55 advantage in the fourth quarter, but Perpetual Help refused to surrender.
Juan Tulabut and Rey Maglupay spearheaded a late offensive push that trimmed the deficit to six points, 65-59, threatening to turn the contest into a tight finish.
Puno, however, rose to the occasion, converting a difficult short jumper against tight defensive pressure to restore San Beda’s eight-point cushion, 67-59, with just 49 seconds remaining.
The Red Lions subsequently protected their advantage to complete their third straight victory.
“We play very strict to the system so we made lots of defensive errors that we practiced for the past few days,” said San Beda veteran Jomel Puno. “We spoke as a team, regrouped and just had a better second half.”
Kyle Jamora provided valuable offensive support with 14 points, while RC Calimag chipped in 12 as the Red Lions displayed balanced scoring to overcome the Altas.
Tulabut carried much of Perpetual Help’s offensive burden, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds as the team’s lone double-digit scorer.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights snapped their two-game losing streak with a convincing 96-86 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
The Knights seized control early and maintained their offensive rhythm to rebound from consecutive defeats against Arellano University and defending champion San Beda.
The victory raised Letran’s record to 4-2 in Group B, strengthening its position in the tournament standings.
Jimboy Estrada powered the Knights with a game-high 25 points, while Jonathan Manalili delivered an impressive all-around performance with 23 points and 12 assists.
Sison-Walker contributed 15 points, while Chad Gammad added 12 as Letran showcased its offensive depth in returning to the winning column./PN
