SBC ends strong against Perpetual

MANILA, Philippines — Still hurting from a stinging defeat to San Sebastian College that ended a 26-game winning run, defending champion San Beda College needed more three quarters this time to heat up and dispatch University of Perpetual Help.

With ace shooter Garvo Lanete still struggling, the Red Lions went to center Kyle Pascual, forward Jake Pascual and Rome dela Rosa to eke out a 69-55 win over the Altas in the 87th NCAA basketball tournament Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

While the Pascuals dominated the shaded lane, dela Rosa came through with clutch hits to notch their 9th win in 10 games.

Despite their win, SBC coach Frankie Lim was far from being happy, perhaps still feeling the pinch of their 70-68 loss to the Stags last Friday.

Lim, however, attributed their sloppiness to their game against the Stags where they gave their all in the hope of keeping their winning streak.

But they got a scare when the Altas moved dangerously within 47-44 on a Jet Vidal trey with less than two minutes remaining.

"Bumuhos nung Baste (yung energy namin)," said Lim. "But this long break will help us recover from our bruises."

San Beda returns to action on Sept. 2 against Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Kyle, a former Philippine youth team member, had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in 23 minutes off the bench while Jake tallied 13 points and eight boards.

Dela Rosa was the one who ended Perpertual’s remaining hopes after scoring eight of his 13 points in the payoff period highlighted by some gutsy drives.

The scores: First Game

SAN BEDA 69 — Pascual K. 15, Pascual J. 13, dela Rosa 13, Lanete 9, Marcelo 6, Koga 5, Villahermosa 2, Lim 2, Sorela 2, Amer 1, Semerad D. 1, Pontejos 0.

PERPETUAL 55 — Asuncion 15, Alano 11, Paulino 9, Vidal 9, Elopre 7, Thompson 3, Parico 1, Arboleda 0, Sumera 0, Sison 0, Tonggal 0.

Quarters: 15-6; 33-19; 49-44; 69-55.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin