MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions renewed its mastery of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights with a 91-77 victory in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
James Kwekuteye led the way with 19 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists while Damie Cuntapay chipped in 16 markers. The Red Lions improved to 11-5 win-loss slate.
Yukien Andrada also made his presence felt offensively with 15 markers. JB Bahio had a double-double of 10 markers and 12 boards, while Gab Cometa ended with 10 points for the Red Lions, which also defeated Letran in the first round of the eliminations.
The Red Lions waxed hot in the opening quarter with Cuntapay drilling 11 early points for a slim 22-19 lead. It continued to grow in the second and third canto as it reached its largest at 59-37.
The Knights tried to claw its way back as it cut the deficit to 61-74 but a three-pointer by Jacob Cortez followed by consecutive conversions from the Red Lions widened the lead anew to 87-67.
“More than breaking the streak and beating Letran, it gives us a better chance sa playoffs,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta. “Playing against Letran brings out the best of the players.”
King Caralipio led the way with 14 points and seven rebounds, Kurt Reyson finished with 11 markers and four boards before getting ejected early in the fourth quarter. The Knights dropped to 12-4.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates cruised to its fourth consecutive victory after holding off Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 79-62, to stay in the hunt for twice-to-beat incentive with its 12-5 card.
Enoch Valdez continued his fine play for the Pirates with 21 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists, Mavrick Vinoya chipped in 11 points, Ato Barba also hit double-digits with 10 markers.
Jason Tan led the offense of the Heavy Bombers with 12 points to go with four rebounds and three assists, while Ry dela Rosa added 11 points, four dimes, and two boards in the loss. They dropped to 6-10.
BOX SCORE:
SAN BEDA 91 — Kwekuteye 19, Cuntapay 16, Andrada 15, Bahio 10, Cometa 10, Ynot 8, Cortez 5, Sanchez 3, Alfaro 3, Visser 2, Jopia 0, Payosing 0.
LETRAN 77 — Caralipio 14, Reyson 11, Yu 10, Sangalang 8, Paraiso 8, Guarino 8, Monje 6, Olivario 5, Ariar 3, Javillonar 2, Tolentino 2, Go 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 50-33, 71-52, 91-77. /PN
