San Beda University bucked a slow start and ignited in the third quarter to reassert mastery over Arellano University, 76-63, in the NCAA Season 98 on Wednesday.
James Kwekuteye led the Red Lions with 16 points in just under 20 minutes of action.
JB Bahio backed him up with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists while Justine Sanchez also chipped in with 10.
Carrying a 34-31 spread at the half, San Beda started to heat up in the third with Kwekuteye firing eight points in the period to lead a 29-14 assault.
The Red Lions ended the period enjoying a comfortable 63-45 cushion after getting contributions from the supporting cast in Damie Cuntapay, James Payosing, and Yukien Andrada.
That lead even ballooned to 25, 70-45, after the Mendiola crew opened the fourth with a 7-0 run before Arellano staged a small run late.
Axel Doromal went on a personal 6-0 run to pull the Chiefs to within 15, 72-57, but San Beda held on to bring the win home.
San Beda cruised to back-to-back wins to improve to 8-4 while Arellano dropped to 5-7.
San Beda led almost all the way in the first half but with Arellano's second stringers provided a spark off the bench as the Chiefs were able to tie things up at 31 late in the second with a Wilmar Oftana split.
Kwekutye and Payosing, though, closed out the frame strong to send San Beda to a slim 34-31 lead at the turn.
San Beda then pulled away for good in the third.
The scores:
San Beda 76 - Kwekuteye 16, Bahio 10, Sanchez 10, Cortez 7, Alfaro 6, Payosing 6, Cuntapay 6, Tagala 5, Andrada 4, Ynot 2, Visser 2, Jopia 1, Cometa 1, Alloso 0, Tagle 0.
Arellano 63 - Doromal 12, Oftana 11, Sunga 10, Mallari 9, Mantua 8, Advincula 5, Oliva 3, Talampas 3, Tan 2, Domingo 0, Tolentino 0, Antonio 0, Ongotan 0, Menina 0.
Quarters: 15-13, 34-31, 63-45, 76-63.
—JMB, GMA News
