The San Beda Red Lions extended their winning streak to three games after overcoming the Perpetual Help Altas 71-63, in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening.
Perpetual came out aggressively in the opening half, building a 10-point advantage at 25-15 in the second quarter. The Altas capitalized on their early offensive production, with JM Tulabut leading the charge by scoring 12 points before halftime.
However, San Beda gradually recovered and cut the deficit to just one point, 34-33, heading into the break.
The defending champions carried that momentum into the third quarter, opening the period with a 10-0 run to take a 44-34 lead. San Beda’s defense also limited Perpetual’s scoring opportunities, holding the Altas scoreless for approximately four minutes during the stretch.
Although Mark Gojo Cruz eventually ended Perpetual’s drought, the Red Lions maintained control and outscored their opponents in the third quarter to enter the final period ahead, 55-50.
San Beda Stays in Control Despite Late Altas Rally
San Beda continued to protect its advantage in the fourth quarter, establishing a 10-point cushion at 65-55 with 6:13 remaining.
Perpetual attempted to revive its chances late in the contest as Tulabut and Rey Maglupay helped bring the Altas within six points, 65-59, with 1:28 left on the clock.
But Jomel Puno stepped up when San Beda needed a crucial basket, converting a contested short shot with 49 seconds remaining to restore a comfortable eight-point lead at 67-59. RC Calimag then helped secure the victory from the free-throw line.
Jomel Puno and Aldous Torculas Lead San Beda
Puno spearheaded the Red Lions’ comeback with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, providing a timely offensive spark after struggling with his shooting earlier in the season.
Aldous Torculas once again showed out for San Beda with an all-around performance, contributing 9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Kyle Jamora contributed 14 points, including 4 three-pointers, while Calimag added 12 points and 3 rebounds.
For Perpetual, Tulabut finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Altas, while Aries Borja chipped in 9 points.
Reflecting on San Beda’s recovery after the break, Puno said the team regrouped and executed better in the second half.
“We play very strict to the system so we made lots of defensive errors that we practiced for the past few days,” Puno said in the post-game interview. “We spoke as a team, regrouped, and just had a better second half,” he added.
The Red Lions improved to a 5-2 record in Group A and will next face the Arellano Chiefs. The Altas suffered their third consecutive defeat as they fell to 2-4 in Group B and are scheduled to meet the Lyceum Pirates on October 13.
