San Beda University opened its redemption bid in style after eking out a lopsided victory against Arellano University, 85-61, in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Jacob Cortez presided early, dropping seven straight points to open the second period as the Red Lions extended their lead to 20, 37-17.
Cortez’ hot shooting rubbed off on his teammates as big man Damie Cuntapay found his touch to drop three triples for a 53-24 cushion before they ended the half up by 31, 57-26.
Lorenz Capulong showed some signs of a fightback for the Chiefs, as they cut the deficit to 24 after three baskets, 68-44. But San Beda did enough to contain Arellano and hold a 74-46 lead before the fourth.
The Chiefs continued to stage a rally as Jerico Camay cut the deficit to 22 in the final two minutes, 82-60, before Yukien Andrada nailed a triple to seal it off.
Cortez posted 16 points anchored on four triples, while Cuntapay and James Payosing had 13 points apiece. Andrada added 12 points while Peter Alfaro had 11 points.
Jeadan Ongotan had 16 points while Capulong added 10 points in the Arellano loss.
San Beda returns to action on Friday against Maoua University while Arellano looks to bounce back on Saturday against San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
