NCAA: San Beda back on track with romp of Perpetual Help

San Beda’s JB Bahio. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda ripped Perpetual Help, 71-52, to cap off its first-round campaign in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.

The Red Lions, who improved to 6-3 in the standings, dominated from start to finish to deal the Altas their fifth loss in nine games.

“You can’t relax against a team like Perpetual. They will outwork you if you take them for granted so hats off to my guys for coming to the game with that energy coming off a loss,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, whose squad bounced back from a 78-69 loss to top seed College of St. Benilde on Sunday.

The Red Lions opened the game with a 25-11 blitz as the Altas never threatened.

San Beda’s lead ballooned to 22, 67-45,  in the final period.

JB Bahio powered San Beda with 16 points while James Kwekuteye recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Justine Sanchez chipped in 12 as well.

JP Boral and Kim Aurin, who both came off the bench, were the only double-digit scorers for the Altas with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Scores:

SAN BEDA 71 — Bahio 16, Kwekuteye 12, Sanchez 12, Ynot 7, Andrada 6, Alfaro 5, Cometa 5, Jopia 5, Payosing 2, Tagle 1, Cuntapay 0, Visser 0, Alloso 0, Tagala 0.

PERPETUAL 52 — Boral 14, Aurin 10, Barcuma 7, Razon 5, Ferreras 5, Martel 4, Omega 2, Abis 2, Flores 2, Nitura 1, Egan 0, Orgo 0, Cuevas 0, Roque 0.

Quarters: 25-11, 36-24, 56-39, 71-52.