Lions rout Pirates, boost semis bid

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda relied on another inspiring effort by Yuki Andrada as it routed Lyceum of the Philippines University, 74-56, yesterday to inch closer to the NCAA Season 99 Final Four at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Averaging 20 points in their last two games, Andrada extended his rampage with a career-high 26-point effort including six booming triples as the Lions jumped to joint third with the College of St. Benilde Blazers with their identical 11-6 records.

It assured the Benedictine school at least a playoff for one of the last two remaining Final Four seats.

San Beda secures an outright semis entry if it beats age-old rival Letran in the final day of the elimination round Friday.

The Red Lions rallied into contention behind Andrada’s re-emergence as the 22-year-old wing man from Quezon City has drained 14 three-pointers in the last three games. He also drained five treys in a heartbreaking defeat to Mapua earlier.

“Nakuha ko na confidence ko sa Mapua game, even though we lost and coming from that game, tuloy tuloy na pagtira ko ng tres,” said Andrada.

Lyceum (13-5) wound up as the second seed behind No. 1 Mapua (14-3).