Cubs rally to edge Robins, force rubber

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda charged back from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter and hacked out an 81-78 victory over Mapua yesterday to force a sudden death for the NCAA juniors basketball crown at the MOA Arena in Pasay.

Carlo Obenza came off the bench to fire a team-best 19 points, including seven in the last five minutes, as the Cubs overhauled a 68-75 deficit to snatch Game Two and force a decider set on Friday.

“I just thought of the present and I knew we still have a chance if we keep on pushing and staying aggressive,” said San Beda coach JB Sison.

The win kept San Beda’s hopes of extending its reign to a record eighth straight year and a league-best 23 titles.

Mapua, on the other hand, is seeking its first title in 16 years and 21st overall.

The Robins, who took the series opener, 83-64, last Thursday, appeared headed for a sweep of their best-of-three series when they surged to a 41-33 lead at the half.

But the Cubs rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Robins, 32-21, to grab a 65-62 lead entering the final quarter.

Mapua, however, roared back and wrested a 75-68 lead with a little over five minutes to go but San Beda countered with a decisive 13-3 run to steal the win.