San Beda University proved its ability of bouncing back from a tough loss, defeating Mapua University in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series, 71-65, to extend its life in the NCAA Season 99 on Sunday.
And the Red Lions have Jacob Cortez to thank for it.
Mapua once faced a 15-point deficit when the Red Lions went on a second quarter rampage, outscoring the Cardinals 22 to 11, and took a much-needed 42-30 halftime lead.
During that huge first half, San Beda had already matched their three-point production from Game 1 where they shot 5-of-32 from beyond the arc.
Despite a biggest of deficit, the Cardinals refused to fold.
They unloaded a big third quarter that saw them limit the Red Lions to just six points while unleashing 23 to head to the payoff period enjoying a 53-48 cushion.
Cortez, though, hit timely triples to bring the morale back to his team as he buried two triples for a 67-61 lead before Yukien Andrada knocked down a triple of his own for a seven-point lead with 2:15 lead.
Mapua took multiple attempts from the long range but they could not get their shots going as San Beda held them off, forcing a do-or-die a week from now.
Cortez led the way with 21 points while Jomel Puno dropped nine markers, five boards, and one assist. Clifford Jopia imposed his will with 11 rebounds on top of eight points and one dime.
Newly-crowned MVP Clint Escamis paced Mapua with 15 points but shot a dismal 4-of-21 from the field as he also grabbed nine rebounds, and four assists while rookie JC Recto starred with a double-double of 14 markers and 15 rebounds.
The Red Lions, who narrowly lost to the Cardinals back in the series opener last Wednesday, 68-63, now have a chance to win it all when they play in the do-or-die Game 3 next Sunday.
San Beda is hoping to redeem its lost glory after missing out on the finals stage for the past two seasons, which ended a string of championship round appearances since 2006.
Scores:
San Beda 71- Cortez 21, Puno 9, Andrada 9, Jopia 8, Alfaro 7, Royo 6, Cuntapay 5, Payosing 4, Tagle 2, Gonzales 0, Visser 0.
Mapua 65- Escamis 15, Recto 14, Hernandez 13, Soriano 10, Cuenco 5, Rosillo 5, Bonifacio 3, Asuncion 0, Dalisay 0, Bancale 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 42-30, 48-53, 71-65.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
