MANILA, Philippines – San Beda fended off a gutsy comeback from St. Benilde and hacked out a 63-57 win in their play-in game to secure its place in the NCAA Season 97 semifinals at the San Juan Arena on Sunday, May 1.

James Kwekuteye delivered 8 of his game-high 17 points in the fourth quarter before leaving the game late with an apparent ankle injury as the Red Lions clinched the No. 3 seed in the Final Four.

Kwekuteye carried the scoring cudgels in the final frame, converting back-to-back layups to give the Red Lions a double-digit edge at 51-41, and knocking down a pair of free throws for their biggest lead at 57-43.

However, the Filipino-Canadian needed to be carried off the court with 1:30 minutes remaining following what seemed like a takedown from AJ Benson, who got slapped with an unsportsmanlike foul.

The Blazers took advantage of the absence of Kwekuteye and narrowed the gap to just 5 points, 55-60, after a Will Gozum putback off his own miss with under 20 ticks left.

But that was the closest Benilde got as Ralph Penuela sank three pressure-packed free throws in the dying seconds to propel San Beda to a semifinals clash against twice-to-beat Mapua, the second seed.

Yukien Andrada delivered 11 points and 4 rebounds in the win, Tony Ynot chalked up 8 points and 7 rebounds, while JB Bahio posted 6 points and 10 rebounds.

“Basketball is a very physical game so we’ll never know the situation. We’re just hoping that if James will be okay in the next few days, it will help us a lot in the semifinals,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.

“We’re hoping James will be there, we’re praying for that. But I think somebody has to step up with our game against Mapua if James will not be 100 percent.”

Robi Nayve tallied 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists to lead the Blazers, who are still in contention and will face the winner of the other play-in match between No. 5 Perpetual and No. 6 Arellano for the last semifinals spot.

No other Benilde player scored in double figures as the Blazers bled for their points, shooting a paltry 29% from the field and 11% from three-point range.

Joshua Marcos had 9 points and 8 rebounds in the loss, while Gozum netted 8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.

The Scores

San Beda 63 – Kwekuteye 17, Andrada 11, Ynot 8, Bahio 6, Penuela 5, Cuntapay 4, Sanchez 4, Amsali 4, Alfaro 3, Cortez 1, Abuda 0, Gallego 0, Jopia 0.

St. Benilde 57 – Nayve 10, Marcos 9, Gozum 8, Lepalam 8, Carlos 6, Benson 6, Cullar 3, Lim 3, Flores 3, Sangco 1, Publico 0, Davis 0.

Quarters: 18-7, 26-20, 40-37, 63-57.

– Rappler.com