THESE champions proved to be equally good.
UAAP king La Salle and four-time NCAA titlist San Beda settled for a 74-74 draw in the “Champions for a Cause” benefit game yesterday.
But it’s the beneficiaries of the game, held at at Smart Araneta Coliseum, that emerged as the real winners as the event raised P1.8 million from ticket sales, donations from sponsors and the alumni associations of both schools.
“We are just blessed to have this opportunity to help [the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda”],” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler.
Ola Adeogun nailed a putback with 7.9 second left to forge the deadlock at 74, but missed the bonus free throw off a Norbert Torres foul that could have given the Red Lions the lead.
La Salle’s Jeron Teng and Torres also missed potential game-winners in the dying seconds.
Exhibition games don’t extend into an overtime period to settle a deadlock.
Both La Salle and San Beda will also play in the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League starting tomorrow.