SAN Beda edged University of the East, 80-77, on Saturday to secure the No. 2 spot in Group B heading to the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Art de la Cruz scored 17 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and had six assists for San Beda.
The Red Lions matched the Red Warriors’ 6-2 win-loss record and took the No. 2 spot behind Centro Escolar University, which finished with a 7-1 card
“Before the match I kept on reminding them that we can’t be careless, UE will push us,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin. “I’m just happy we got the win.”
San Beda almost squandered an eight-point lead in the final period when UE made it 66-68 behind Edgar Charcos and Paul Varilla.
The Red Warriors kept the game close, 74-75, with 2:34 left to play before the Red Lions stretched the gap, 80-77.
Varilla missed a potential game-tying triple as San Beda ran away with the win.
Jordan Sta. Ana scored 17, Chris Javier had 15 points, RR de Leon contributed 13 and Varilla finished with 11 for UE.
The scores:
San Beda 80 – Dela Cruz 17, Tankoua 16, Sorela 13, Mendoza 9, Adeogun 9, Koga 7, Mocon 4, Tongco 2, Sara 2, Soberano 1, Reyes 0, Presbitero 0, Sedillo 0.
UE 77 – Sta. Ana 17, Javier 15, De Leon 13, Varilla 11, Awana 7, Charcos 6, Palma 2, Gonzales 2, Gagate 2, Larupay 2, Manalang 0, Batiller 0, Cruz 0, Cudal 0.
Quarterscores: 22-22; 45-39; 65-58; 80-77.
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