INQUIRER Sports

GAMES WEDNESDAY (The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m.—San Beda vs. NU
4 p.m.—Adamson vs. La Salle

MANILA, Philippines—Pong Escobal touched off a nine-point blitz in overtime that carried unbeaten San Beda College past University of the East, 99-91, in the 2nd Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup Monday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Red Lions grabbed the lead at 93-91 on Escobal’s three-point shot, and free throws by Narciso Llagas, Jake Pascual and Sam Ekwe finally doomed the Warriors, who extended the match at 88-all behind Hans Thiele.

The Red Lions stayed unscathed in Group B at 5-0 while the Warriors dropped to 5-1 but still pace Group A.

Escobar led the Red Lions, the reigning NCAA champions, with 24 markers while Ekwe added 18 and hauled down 13 boards. Gabo Lanete added 13 and Pascual had 12.

In the first match, Far Eastern University improved to 4-1 in Group B as Letran College failed to show up for the second time this week.

League chair Dave Dualan said the Letran Knights have decided to forego the tournament because most of their players are seeing action for Hapee Toothpaste, which is battling Harbour Centre in the ongoing Philippine Basketball League finals.

Letran dropped to 2-3 in a tie with idle National University in Group A.

In the final game, Jose Rizal University boosted its quarterfinal chances after dumping College of St. Benilde, 69-42.

The JRU Bombers raised their mark to 3-4 in Group A while the CSB Blazers fell to 2-3.

The scores:
SAN BEDA 99—Escobal 24, Ekwe 18, Lanete 13, Pascual 12, Gamalinda 9, Menor 6, Hermida 6, Tecson 5, Taganas 4, Tirona 1, Taupa 1.
UE 91—Thiele 17, Arellano 15, Martinez 14, Espiritu 12, Lingganay 8, Lee 8, Llagas 6, Reyes 3, Duran 3, Tagarda 2, Etrone 2, Alabanza 1,
Quarters: 17-24, 42-45, 65-67, 88-88 (reg), 99-91.