San Beda prevails over EAC in NCAA basketball

Posted by watchmen
October 24, 2023
Posted in SPORTS

 

Jacob Cortez continues to be a reliable force for the San Beda University Red Lions. (NCAA / GMA Sports photo)
Jacob Cortez continues to be a reliable force for the San Beda University Red Lions. (NCAA / GMA Sports photo)

By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The San Beda University Red Lions continued their winning ways in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament after an 86-72 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals at the San Juan Arena on Sunday, October 22.

Jacob Cortez spearheaded the offense with 17 points, while Yukien Andrada chipped in 14 markers, including two triples in the third quarter, as the Red Lions improved to a 7-2 win-loss slate.

However, it was Clifford Jopia who was named Player of the Game after tallying a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Red Lions, which occupied second place in the standings.

Holding a slim 44-38 lead at halftime, the Red Lions started to pull away in the third quarter behind three-point hits by Andrada and Damie Cuntapay as they built a 72-52 lead.

The Generals attempted to rally back in the fourth quarter, reducing the deficit to 64-75, but the Red Lions countered with an 8-0 run, sealing the victory with a three-pointer from Cortez.

Ralph Robin top-scored for the Generals with 22 points, while King Gurtiza struggled with just 10 markers as they capped off their first round assignment with a 5-4 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, the College of St. Benilde Blazers exacted their revenge on defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 68-55, in the first encounter among the NCAA Season 98 finalists.

Already ahead by nine points at the half, the Blazers pulled away further in the third quarter as they unloaded an 18-6 scoring run, capped by a layup by Corteza for a 53-32 lead.

The Knights, which continued to struggle heavily this season under head coach Rensy Bajar, failed to muster a comeback in the fourth quarter, allowing the Blazers to pull away with the victory.

Miguel Oczon top-scored for the Blazers with 15 points. Negrense forward Miguel Corteza had a near double-double numbers of 12 points and nine rebounds, while Robi Nayve chipped in 12 markers.

 

SAN BEDA 86 — Cortez 17, Andrada 14, Jopia 11, Puno 11, Cuntapay 8, Tagle 7, Payosing 7, Royo 4, Gonzales 3, Visser 2, LLanera 2, Gallego 0, Tagala 0, Torres 0, Lopez 0.

EAC 72 — Robin 22, Gurtiza 10, Cosejo 9, Ochavo 8, Tolentino 6, Maguliano 4, Angeles 4, Cosas 2, Quinal 2, Umpad 2, Dominguez 2, Bacud 1, Balowa 0, Luciano 0, Loristo 0.

Quarterscores: 24-20, 44-38, 72-52, 86-72./ASC, WDJ

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