MANILA — San Beda University Red Lions weathered a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Mapua University Cardinals to escape with a 61-57 victory and regain a share of the Group A lead in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Red Lions extended their winning streak to three games and improved to 8-3, tying Jose Rizal University atop Group A while remaining unbeaten in the second round of eliminations.
The victory also avenged San Beda’s 55-54 first-round loss to Mapua and bolstered its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Trailing 30-23 at halftime, the Red Lions turned the game around behind Dan Marcelo and JC Bonzalida, who sparked a third-quarter offensive surge.
Mapua refused to fold as Cyrus Cuenco buried three consecutive triples in the fourth quarter, cutting San Beda’s lead to 51-50 with four minutes remaining.
The Red Lions stretched their advantage to five points through free throws, but Jamal Diaz answered with a three-pointer to pull the Cardinals within 55-53.
Andrei Ugaddan then converted crucial free throws to restore San Beda’s two-possession cushion and help seal the victory.
Marcelo paced the Red Lions with 16 points, while Bonzalida added 10.
Cuenco finished with a game-high 23 points and Yam Concepcion contributed 12 for Mapua, which suffered its second consecutive defeat and slipped to 6-5.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights secured Group B’s top seed and a twice-to-beat playoff advantage with a commanding 91-77 victory over Arellano University Chiefs.
Johnsherick Estrada spearheaded Letran’s offense with 25 points, while Negrense rookie Justin Cargo continued his impressive campaign with 15 markers.
Chad Gammad contributed 12 points, while Kevin Santos, Aaron Buensalida and Denzil Walker chipped in 10 apiece as the Knights improved to a group-best 8-3 record.
Renzo Abiera led Arellano with 20 points, followed by King Vinoya with 12 and Ernest Geronimo with 11. The Chiefs dropped to 5-6 after absorbing their sixth defeat./PN
