San Beda University got the better of longtime rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 68-63, to make it back-to-back wins in the NCAA Season 99 on Friday.
The Red Lions improved to 3-1 while the Knights slid to a dismal 0-4 start.
Rookie Jay Garupil made the most of his game time, knocking down back-to-back baskets to bring Letran to a crucial 58-55 lead in the fourth before Jacob Cortez’ three-point play tied things up again with 4:19 left.
Both teams traded possessions but struggled to connect in the next two minutes until Yukien Andrada split his freebies for a one-point cushion.
Kurt Reyson, who had been shooting cold in the past games, finally got his shots going as he buried a triple before soaring for a one-handed floater to give the Knights a 63-62 advantage with 24.7 ticks left in the clock.
Off a timeout, Alex Visser scored a quick basket from a Cortez assist as San Beda retook the lead before they forced Letran to a costly turnover.
Cortez sank two freebies for a 66-63 lead as Reyson went wide on his three-pointer attempt.
Cortez starred with 14 points and three rebounds while Andrada flirted with a double-double 14 markers as well laced with nine boards, one assist, and one block.
Reyson had his best offensive performance so far with 22 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Deo Cuajao and Garupil chipped in 13 and 11 markers apiece.
Scores:
San Beda 68 - Cortez 14, Andrada 14, Cuntapay 10, Visser 7, Puno 6, Payosing 5, Alfaro 5, Gallego 3, Jopia 2, Gonzales 2, Tagle 0.
Letran 63 - Reyson 22, Cuajao 13, Garupil 11, Ariar 6, Monje 4, Santos 3, Javillonar 2, Guarino 2, Go 0, Fajardo 0, Battallier 0, Jumao-as 0.
Quarters: 13-13, 26-32, 45-46, 69-63.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
