San Beda gets back at rival Letran, returns to NCAA Final Four

San Beda vs Letran. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion San Beda held off fierce rival Letran, 77-73, to nail the first Final Four berth and twice-to-beat edge in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday before a boisterous crowd at the Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions, who chalked up their 10th straight semifinals appearance, reclaimed solo first place in the standings after wrapping up their campaign in the elimination round at 13-5.

The Knights have another shot to nab a twice-to-beat advantage on Friday against the Perpetual Help Altas, who are also vying for a semis spot.

“Right now, I’m thinking about the next games. We can’t put our guard down,” said San Beda head coach Jamike Jarin. “We were up big but big heart by Letran. They came back and it became an interesting game.”

“Main goal was to get to the Final Four and the twice-to-beat advantage and we got it with this win.”

San Beda had seven players scoring at least eight points led by Ola Adeogun’s 13 points. The Nigerian center akso grabbed 15 rebounds.

The Lions also got back at the Knights, who dealt them a 93-80 loss in the first round last July 16.

Lions chief playmaker Baser Amer, who missed the last three quarters of that first encounter after re-injuring his right shoulder, made up for lost time scoring six of his 10 points in the pivotal third period when the Knights went on a run.

Rey Nambatac spearheaded Letran’s fightback in the second half to finish with a game-high 16 points before fouling out with 1:39 remaining.

Nambatac had 13 points in the third period alone. Mark Cruz tallied 12 but shot just 2-of-13 from the field.