NCAA: San Beda returns to win column, star rookie lifts Perpetual

San Beda’s Yukien Andrada.-NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda bounced back from its stunning loss at the hands of Emilio Aguinaldo College by defeating Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

The Red Lions routed the Heavy Bombers, 77-60, at San Juan Arena on Saturday, just days after bowing to the Generals for the first time since EAC’s inclusion in the league.

After leading by just merely two points after the first quarter, 16-14, San Beda went on a dominant 30-point second salvo to go up at the intermission, 46- 22, which JRU never recovered from.

READ: EAC beats San Beda for first time since joining NCAA

Yukien Andrada powered San Beda back to the win column with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds while Bryan Sajonia helped the cause with 14 points to bring the Red Lions to a 3-2 card.

Shawn Argente exploded for 27 points but it wasn’t enough as the Heavy Bombers crashed to a 1-4 slate. No other JRU swingmen scored in double digits.

Perpetual rookie shines anew

Perpetual Help’s Mark Gojo Cruz.-NCAA Photo

Perpetual Help got another shot in the arm in the form of another stellar outing from rising rookie Mark Gojo Cruz.

The Altas outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 73-67, behind an all-around outing from the rookie out of the Junior Altas program.

Cruz dropped 18 points with six assists, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals to match, pushing Perpetual Help to a 3-2 card. Christian Pagaran also finished just a rebound shy of a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.

READ: NCAA: Perpetual stays unbeaten, Letran gets first win under new coach

The Generals, meanwhile, dropped to 2-3 despite the strong effort from King Gurtiza, who dropped 17 points and eight rebounds. Nicole Quinal and Wilmar Oftana also scored 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Altas look to keep up their winning ways when they face San Sebastian (2-2) on Tuesday at the same venue.