HOOPS

San Beda repulses Mapua

Ivan Suing · Oct 30, 2026, 1:08 AM

DANIEL Marcelo barrels his way to a 16-point performance in San Beda University’s 61-57 win over Mapua on Thursday in the NCAA Season 102 basketball tournament. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NCAA

Defending champion San Beda University held off Mapua University, 61-57, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Daniel Marcel led the Red Lions with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists as they improved to an 8-3 win-loss record in Group B and strengthened their bid for a quarterfinal berth.

San Beda clung to a 59-55 lead with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter before Ken Dones scored on a putback off a missed triple by Cyrus Cuenco to cut Mapua’s deficit to two, 59-57.

RC Calimag then sank two pressure-packed free throws to restore San Beda’s four-point cushion, 61-57, with eight seconds left.

Cuenco’s attempt at a triple fell short as the Red Lions secured their third consecutive victory.

JC Bonzalida added 10 points for San Beda, while Bismark Lina chipped in nine.