MANILA, Philippines – San Beda chased Ateneo for most of the game.
And it was only fitting that the Red Lions caught up when their running game clicked en route to a thrilling 63-61 win Saturday in the 2012 FilOil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
“It’s all about the big fighting heart of the boys. In the first and second quarter we were totally out of it. Naunahan kami,” said San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “Instead of X and O’s I just told them to relax a bit.”
San Beda, the reigning NCAA champion, came back from as much as 16 points and trailed by nine heading into the last period.
Baser Amer knocked down two free throws that put the Red Lions ahead, 61-59, with under a minute left before sealing their third win in three stints on two freebies more with 19.3 ticks remaining.
Amer finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three steals, including two crucial ones.
Ola Adeogun had a team-high 16 points and 13 boards.
A Julius Armon steal and jumper completed San Beda’s comeback, 58-57, at the 1:40 mark of the fourth period.
The Red Lions went on a 7-0 run to start the final quarter when the Blue Eagles gave Greg Slaughter and Kiefer Ravena a breather.
Slaughter had his way with 24 points and 13 rebounds while Ravena scored 10 points.