MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions reached the next stage of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League after beating University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers, 77-68, in the UAAP-NCAA Challenge at the San Juan Arena on Feb. 15.
James Canlas tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, while Peter Alfaro and Bacolodnon Ralph Penuela chipped in 13 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Red Lions.
With the victory, the Red Lions are now in the Final Four of the national collegiate basketball championship with a 2-1 slate. They will face the University of the Philippines on March 7.
The victory was not easy, however. San Beda slipped a 17-point lead to 69-63 with over three minutes left ticking in the clock.
It was Alfaro who stopped the bleeding of the Red Lions via and-one conversion followed by the game-sealing baskets of Calvin Oftana.
“It’s really tough. For my side, it’s been tough,” said the Red Lions’ head coach Teodorico Fernandez III. “Malaking morale booster sa amin ito beating UST and at least may NCAA representative sa Final Four.”
CJ Cansino led the way in a losing effort for UST with 21 points and nine rebounds. Brent Paraiso added 12 marks, while UAAP Most Valuable Player Soulemane Chabi-Yo was held to just six points and nine boards./PN
