MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Beda regained its form in the fourth quarter to turn back College of St. Benilde, 59-53, Monday in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan city.
The Red Lions slowed down after a fast start but got their bearings back at the right time to rack up their third win in four games.
San Beda scored 11 unanswered points to turn a four-point deficit to a 52-45 lead.
Carlo Lastimosa willed the Blazers to within three, 51-54, with 1:26 left but couldn’t make the necessary stops in the final minute as they reeled to their third loss in five games.
Jake Pascual made it a two-possession game, 56-51, with 1:05 left. CSB had several chances to close in but its offense went stale thanks to San Beda’s defense.
Rome de la Rosa had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Kyle Pascual also had a good game with 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Red Lions ran out the gates and led 23-9 with a minute left in the first period.
Lastimosa finished with 21 points.