INQUIRER.net PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
San Beda ran University of Perpetual Help into the ground for an 84-75 win and the last twice-to-beat incentive in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
AC Soberano had 18 points built on four 3-pointers to lead the Red Lions, who will forge a playoff for the top spot if they beat league-leading Arellano University in the final game of the eliminations on Friday.
“The goal for every team is to get the twice-to-beat and now we have that luxury,” said San Beda head coach Jamike Jarin. “But nothing’s gonna be easy it’s gonna get harder and harder.”
Stepping on the gas, the Red Lions left the Altas catching their breaths in the fourth quarter, where they outscored their rivals, 29-17.
Davon Potts had 15 points, eight coming in the final frame, while Javee Mocon wound up with 14 points and 13 rebounds for San Beda (13-4), which used all of its 14 players.
Robert Bollick also came up big down the stretch for the Lions with his shot-clock beating triple giving his team a six point lead with 3:20 left and drive making it, 79-72, at the 1:32 mark.
“We stayed composed kahit humahabol sila. Potts made his shots and Bollick was there. This Friday, we want to grab that No. 1 spot,” Mocon said.
The Lions drew a team effort but the player that stood out most for Jarin was his point guard Dan Sara, who may not have outstanding numbers but was still instrumental in the victory.
“I have to give credit to Dan Sara. He’s our captain ball. He’s one of our heart and souls on this team,” Jarin said.
Sara came off the bench and had six points and six assists, including a dish that led to a Jomari Presbitero triple for an 82-72 lead with 29.2 ticks left.
Bright Akhuetie led the Altas with game-highs 29 points and 18 rebounds.
Perpetual Help (11-6), which turned the ball over 23 times, wraps up its campaign in the elimination round against Mapua (11-6) also on Friday with the winner clinching the No. 3 spot.