Defending champion San Beda University kept its Final Four hopes alive after routing Jose Rizal University, 69-66, in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball tournament on Friday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.
San Beda has now won all of its last three games to improve to 5-3 while already-eliminated JRU slipped to 2-6.
Chris Hubilla was again the focal point of San Beda's offense, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists while Niño Mundas chipped in 16 markers, nine boards, and one block as the Red Cubs remained in contention.
San Beda was able to build a lead as high as 11 early in the game but the Light Bombers staged a rally and pulled to within one, 56-55, halfway in the fourth period. But Hubilla rallied his team, nailing back-to-back baskets that gave them a much-needed 60-57 cushion.
Mundas and Andrei Dungo then drilled two straight baskets, 64-57, before the former completed a three-point play opportunity for a 67-60 lead in the final 1:20.
John Lopez and Andrei Dungo chipped in 11 points apiece while Jharmaine Lecciones chimed in with seven markers and five rebounds.
PE Enal was among the bright spots for JRU as he finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
