Slow-starting San Beda dispatches Arellano; Mapua extends streak

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda banked on a strong second half to dispose of Arellano, 76-63, and stay at solo third in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, November 2 at FilOil EcOil Centre in San Juan.

James Kwekuteye fired 16 points while JB Bahio posted a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Red Lions, who improved to an 8-4 record behind leaders St. Benilde (9-2) and Letran (10-3).

The Lions outscored the Chiefs, 29-14, in the third quarter to pull away at 63-45 after a slow start that had them leading by just a bucket trey at halftime, 34-31.

Kwekuteye took charge of the turnaround with 8 points in the pivotal quarter as the Lions kept a comfortable cushion the rest of the way and even went up by as many as 25 points, 70-45. 

Axel Doromal had 12 points to pace the Chiefs, who remained at sixth with a 5-7 card. 

Mapua also scored a big triumph with a 74-49 blasting of Jose Rizal University in the other game. 

Joaqui Garcia dropped 8 of his game-high 17 points in the final quarter, where the Cardinals held the skidding Bombers to just 9 points. 

The Cardinals extended their streak to three to improve their slate to 5-9, while adding to the Bombers’ woes.

JRU absorbed its third straight loss to fall to fifth at 5-5.

The Scores

First Game

San Beda 76 – Kwekuteye 16, Bahio 10, Sanchez 10, Cortez 7, Alfaro 6, Payosing 6, Cuntapay 6, Tagala 5, Andrada 4, Ynot 2, Visser 2, Jopia 1, Cometa 1, Alloso 0, Tagle 0.

Arellano 63 – Doromal 12, Oftana 11, Sunga 10, Mallari 9, Mantua 8, Advincula 5, Oliva 3, Talampas 3, Tan 2, Domingo 0, Tolentino 0, Antonio 0, Ongotan 0, Menina 0.

Quarters: 15-13, 34-31, 63-45, 76-63.

Second Game

Mapua 74 – Garcia 17, Nocum 12, Bonifacio 10, Mercado 7, Hernandez 7, Cuenco 5, Pido 5, Lacap 4, Agustin 3, Salenga 2, Soriano 2.

JRU 49 – Medina 15, Dionisio 12, Dela Rosa 8, Miranda 4, Arenal 2, Amores 2, Sy 2, Celis 2, Guiab 1, Delos Santos 1, Tan 0, Abaoag 0, Villarin 0, De Jesus 0.

Quarters: 21-16, 38-31, 53-40, 74-49.

– Rappler.com