University of Santo Tomas got back at UAAP champion Ateneo while San Beda exploited a lucky break at the start of the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Tigers, showing full control virtually all the way, downed the five-time UAAP champ Eagles, 76-66, to take a 1-0 lead in the round-robin semifinals of the nationwide tournament.
Jeric Teng knocked in 17 of his 22 points in the first half while Cameroonian center Karim Abdul backed him up with 15 as the Tigers, who got swept by the Blue Eagles in last month’s UAAP finals, zoomed to a 16-point lead in the third period, 59-43.
Earlier, San Beda escaped with a 73-72 decision against a Southwestern University side that blew its chance due to an endgame lapse.
The Cobras rallied from 20-points down, 47-67, only to throw it away in the dying seconds as the Cebuanos failed to launch a potential game-winner before time ran out.
“A win is a win,” said San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “I thought we had a terrific first half. But in the second half, I felt we got tired and there were mental mistakes.”
The missed opportunity infuriated Southwestern coach Yayoy Alcoseba that he charged inside the court, pushing and hitting on the head Joseph Nalos, the Cobras’ point guard who held the ball last.
First Game
SAN BEDA 73—J. Pascual 17, Amer 15, Koga 12, Caram 9, Dela Cruz 7, K. Pascual 6, Dela Rosa 4, Ludovice 3, Mendoza 0.
SOUTHWESTERN 72—Mbala 27, Arong 13, Aboude 8, Guillena 8, Nalos 7, Bregondo 6, Ortuyo 3, Goloran 0, Dedace 0.
Quarters: 23-19, 46-29, 67-50, 73-72
Second Game
UST 76—Teng 22, Abdul 15, Fortuna 9, Ferrer 8, Afuang 8, Mariano 5, Bautista 3, Vigil 2, Pe 2, Daquioag 2, Lo 0.
ATENEO 66—Salva 13, Ravena 12, Slaughter 11, Sumalinog 10, Gonzaga 9, Tiongson 5, Golla 2, Buenafe 2, Capacio 2, Pessumal 0, Chua 0, Elorde 0.
Quarters: 16-18, 42-32, 59-46, 76-66