San Beda University used a big fourth quarter to survive a low-scoring ballgame against Jose Rizal University, 67-53, and remain unscathed through three games in NCAA Season 97 on Sunday.
The win by the Red Lions forged a two-way tie at the top of the standings with Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 2-0 while JRU sank to a 0-3 hole.
James Kwekuteye flirted with a double-double of 17 points and nine rebounds to go along with three assists and three steals while Damie Cuntapay scored all of his eight markers in the crucial fourth quarter. Ralph Penuela chipped in 11 points while JB Bahio produced eight markers and 10 boards.
With the Heavy Bombers keeping pace with the Red Lions all throughout the first two quarters, San Beda was only able to create some space late in the third with Tony Ynot fueling a 9-2 run for a 47-39 cushion.
JRU, however, ended the frame with a quick 5-0 run to cut their deficit to just one possession, 44-47.
Tied again at 49, the seventh deadlock of the game, San Beda turned to big man Cuntapay whose six points powered a 12-1 spurt that gave them an 11-point upper hand, 61-50, with 3:14 left.
A stepback triple and a couple of free throws from Kwekuteye then put the finishing kick for San Beda, 67-53, as they kept their clean slate intact.
San Beda will have a long break before facing San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday while JRU tackles Lyceum of the Philippines University on Wednesday.
The scores:
San Beda 67 - Kwekuteye 17, Penuela 11, Bahio 8, Cuntapay 8, Ynot 8, Amsali 5, Alfaro 4, Andrada 4, Abuda 2, Cometa 0, Gallego 0.
JRU 53 - Dionisio 10, Delos Santos 9, Gonzales 8, Bongay 7, Celis 6, Macatangay 4, Agbong 3, Jungco 2, Arenal 2, Gonzales 2, Aguilar 0, Aguado 0, Guiab 0.
Quarters: 13-16, 32-27, 47-44, 67-53.
—JMB, GMA News
