Michael Mabulac (left) scored 21 points to help JRU edge Arellano in triple-overtime. KC Cruz
Jose Rizal U edged Arellano U, 99-98, in an epic triple-overtime match to jump into a tie for No. 4 in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City on Friday.
Jaycee Asuncion and Michael Mabulac and came out firing with 21 points apiece, while Ghana's Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab had career-highs 18 points and 21 rebounds to help seal the Bombers the win.
The Chiefs fell to second with a 5-2 card.
In the first game, San Beda took the fight out of San Sebastian early and cruised to a surprisingly easy 75-56 victory stay on top of the standings.
San Beda cruised to an easy win over San Sebastian on Friday. KC Cruz
Fil-Aussie Anthony Semerad came off the bench to lead all scorers with 19 while Arthur dela Cruz and rookie Ranbill Tongco chipped in 14, 12 and 12, respectively, to seal the Lions their sixth victory in seven outings.
The win also made up for the four-time defending champion's painful 83-76 defeat to College of St. Benilde last Monday that allowed Arellano U to seize a share of the lead with a 5-1 (win-loss) slate.
The Lions though were quick to recover ground.
"I have to give credit to the players, they really want to bounce back from that loss and get this victory," said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
The Lions put on the defensive clamps on the Stags early as the 6-7 Adeogun imposed his will early and helped propel the former to a massive 27-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
San Sebastian was never the same after it.
Adeogun ended up spiking his scoring with a game-high 16 rebounds and a season-best six blocks.
The Stags, who were led by Jaymar Perez's 13 points, fell to their fourth defeat against three triumphs.
The Scores:
First Game
San Beda (75) -- A. Semerad 19, Dela Cruz 14, Adeogun 12, Tongco 12, Koga 6, Mocon 4, Amer 3, Mendoza 3, Pascual 2, Cabañag 0, Sara 0, D. Semerad 0.
San Sebastian (56) -- Perez 13, Guinto 10, Dela Cruz 7, Yong 6, Balucanag 4, Calisaan 4, Ortuoste 4, Camasura 3, Pretta 3, Fabian 2, Costelo 0, Aquino 0, Mercado 0.
Quarters: 27-7, 38-16, 59-36, 75-56.
Second Game
JRU (99) -- Asuncion 21, Mabulac 21, AbdulWahab 18, Paniamogan 15, Grospe 6, Teodoro 6, Benavides 6, Munez 4, Sanchez 2, Salaveria 0.
Arellano (98) -- Holts 25, Jalalon 21, Hernandez 13, Pinto 8, Agovida 8, Bangga 6, Caperal 6, Nicholls 3, Gumaru 2, Enriquez 2, Ortega 2, Cadavis 2, Salcedo 0, Ciriacruz 0.
Quarters: 8-12, 25-31, 43-51, 70-70, 79-79, 85-85, 99-98(3OT)
