ROBERT Bolick of San Beda College penetrates the defense of Prince Eze (L) and Jelo Razon (R) of University of Perpetual Help Dalta System during their 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. ROMAN PROSPERO San Beda College roared to a nail-biting 67-65 victory over University of Perpetual Help Dalta System in the opening salvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Also starting its campaign on a high note was Lyceum of the Philippines University, which clobbered San Sebastian College, 85-80, in the second game.

Robert Bolick delivered a heroic performance as he foiled an inbound play in the final 3.0 seconds to preserve the victory for the Red Lions, who are gunning for their third straight title.

Head coach Boyet Fernandez heaved a sigh of relief, saying that their first-game jitters left them without a choice but to devise an escape act.

“We’re just happy to win the first game. It’s really tough to win the opening game, especially playing against the host team. But we still came through and won this game,” said Fernandez, whose wards faced Frankie Lim, the architect of San Beda’s four titles a decade ago.

“We’re happy that we got this one. A win is a win, but we’ll learn from this.”

With the win, the Red Lions kicked off their three-pear bid on a sizzling note to take an early lead in the 10-team standing.

Bolick, who is playing his final year for San Beda, struggled offensively with 15 points on a sour 3-for-15 shooting, but made a key defensive plays that sealed the victory.

“The boys never gave up even if it was an up and down game,” Fernandez said, adding that Bolick’s assist to Donald Tankoua gave the Red Lions a 67-63 lead in the final 54 seconds.

“Bolick was our ‘go-to-guy- every game. He did a good job for us.”

Edgar Charcos finished with 14 points and seven assists on top of two rebounds and two steals while Prince Eze had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Altas, who started the Lim era on a wrong foot