UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help poured everything it got but San Beda University kept its poise and the defending champion Red Lions scored an 80-72 victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 seniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The match was never short of excitement as the Final Four contenders played to 10 deadlocks and as many lead changes to cap their elimination-round campaigns.
In the end, the Red Lions hiked their record to 17 wins against a single loss, while the Atlas, who have to win twice to survive the playoffs, dropped to their seventh setback in 18 games.
San Beda Head Coach Boyet Fernandez reminded his players to remain hungry as they shoot for the school’s 10th title in 12 years.
“The win is useless if we’ll not make it to the Finals and probably defend our crown. Now the pressure is too high for us,” Fernandez said.
Donald Tankoua topscored for the Red Lions with 23 points—18 coming in the second half—and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Jeramer Cabanag complimented the big man’s effort by registering a career-high 16 points that went with five rebounds. Robert Bolick chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
San Beda was on the run with a 38-30 lead at the break.
Not to be undone, Perpetual Help maneuvered a 13-2 rally to take a 43-40 cushion early in the third period.
Tied at 71 with 3:54 left in the game, Tankoua, Cabanag and Bolick pulled a surprising 9-0 blitz for an 80-71 advantage the Red Lions never relinquished.
Kim Aurin paced the Altas with 18 points and five rebounds, while Edgar Charcos contributed 17 points and five rebounds.
San Sebastian College demolished Arellano University, 91-63, in the first game to end to bid goodbye to the season with a 6-12 card. The Chiefs took its 13th setback in 18 games.
Because it was their last game in the eliminations, Fernandez decided to start his graduating players Cabanag, Bolick, Javee Mocon, Ranbill Tongco and Jomari Presbitero.
“It’s seniors’ day for us,” said Fernandez.
San Beda and Perpetual Help will meet again on Friday at the start of their Final Four showdown at the Filoil Flying V Arena, with the Red Lions needing a win to advance to the best-of-three finale unfolding on November 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A deciding game, if necessary, will be played on Monday also in San Juan.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza