Andrada powers Lions to pivotal win over Blazers

MANILA, Philippines – Yukien Andrada waxed hot and led the San Beda Red Lions to a crucial win over the Benilde Blazers, 65-61, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The win gives the Red Lions a chance to make the Final Four and snapped their two-game losing streak.

Andrada led the Lions with 22 points on 8-of-19 field goal shooting.

It was a tight game the whole contest, as the two teams were unable to put their opponent in a double-digit hole.

With the game tied at 45-all heading into the final frame, the two teams traded leads until the four-minute mark.

Benilde had a one-point lead, 56-55, with 4:23 remaining following a Miggy Corteza jumper.

San Beda then scored five straight points — a jumper by Andrada and a 3-pointer by Peter Alfaro — to take a 60-56 lead with 2:54 remaining.

After a pair of free throws by reigning MVP Will Gozum with 1:14 remaining to cut the lead to two, 58-60, Alfaro iced the game with a pair of freebies, 62-58.

On the other end, Migs Oczon missed a 3-pointer that would have cut the lead to just one.

Oliver Tagle then split from the line with 10 seconds remaining.

Prince Carlos made a 3-pointer to drag the Blazers to within two, but Andrada ended the game with a pair of free throws to set the final score.

Benilde is now in a logjam with the JRU Heavy Bombers, with both teams holding identical 10-6 records.

San Beda, however, rose to the fifth spot with a 9-6 slate.

San Beda’s win also granted league-leading Mapua, which earlier defeated Perpetual 69-53, a twice-to-beat semis advantage.