Lions avert disaster, survive Bombers

MANILA, Philippines -- San Beda squeaked past the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 75-71, in their NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball clash Friday evening at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. 

San Beda squandered a 21-point lead in the fourth but hit timely shots to grab the win, completing a season sweep against JRU. 

Aldous Torculas filled up the statsheet with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal in the win. Bismarck Lina backstopped with 14 markers and three boards, while Daniel Marcelo had 13 points. 

The Red Lions led by 21, 67-46, heading to the fourth as they looked primed for an easy win. 

Slowly but surely, though, JRU nipped the lead away, slicing the deficit to 11, 56-67, with 7:11 remaining. 

A split from the line by Andrei Ugaddan halted the run, but the Heavy Bombers kept on coming. 

A Sean Salvador trey with 1:28 left tied things up at 71-all. 

However, JRU could not capitalize despite several opportunities to grab the lead. Four free throws by Zedjay Etulle iced the game and saved the day for the Red Lions. 

Kyle Jamora added 12 markers, eight boards and two dimes for San Beda. 

Salvador had 19 points for JRU. Jalen Garcia produced 14 points in the loss, which pulled the Heavy Bombers to an identical 7-3 slate.