San Beda survive EAC's late-game storm

San Beda endured Emilio Aguinaldo College's furious fightback for an 89-86 victory in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Monday.

The Red Lions overcame a feisty comeback from the Generals to improve to a 6-3 record in Group A.

“Sabi ni coach Yuri (Escueta), we were too soft. Kailangan namin ng konting tapang at konting diin pa sa second half,” explained Aldous Torculas.

The Red Lions led by 11 in the early goings of the payoff period, 85-74, after a Torculas triple at the 7:02 mark.

The Generals, however, went on a furious 12-0 run capped off by a Joseph Nunag bucket at the 1:16 mark to take the 86-85 lead.

A sorry disruptive foul by EAC’s EJ Castillo on RC Calimag, however, changed the complexion of the endgame.

Calimag, who finished with 11 points, ended up sinking four free throws—two from the transition take foul and two from the ensuing possession—to ice the game, 89-86, with 4.3 to go.

The Generals went to MJ Raymundo for the triple at the buzzer but to no avail as they tripped to 3-6 in Group B.

“I have to give it to RC, he showed his willingness to win, ayaw magpatalo. I have to give him the credit,” said Torculas after dropping 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

JC Bonzalida nearly had a double-double for San Beda with 12 points and eight rebounds while Jimmy Reyes chipped in 11 in the dub.

Castillo spearheaded EAC in the loss with 19 markers. MJ Raymundo tallied 17 points and eight boards while Nunag scored 12 in the defeat.