JOMEL Puno finally got the breakout he wanted.
Misfiring early on in NCAA Season 102, the Fil-Canadian forward anchored San Beda to its third straight win, repulsing Perpetual, 71-63, on Thursday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Puno showed the way for the Red Lions with 15 points, including the game-sealing bucket that made it a 67-60 affair with 49 seconds left.
He also grabbed three rebounds, a steal, and a block for the Mendiola crew which improved to 5-2 in dangerous Group A.
"I just trust the coaching staff a lot. The other games, I didn't play too well, but as long as I trust them and follow what they do and stay consistent and as long as the team is winning, that's all that matters," he said.
Kyle Jamora also waxed hot from deep, drilling four treys for 14 points and three dimes, as RC Calimag iced the game from the free throw line to finish with 12 points and three boards.
Aldous Torculas didn't come close to his career-best 29 points the last time around, but nonetheless made his presence felt all over with nine markers, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
San Beda keeps at it
Offensive struggles, however, were evident for the defending champions in the first half, but coach Yuri Escueta kept on harping to his wards to stay the course.
"I was just telling them just to keep playing defense and that offense will take care of itself. Our shots weren't falling, but I was just telling them if you're open and you have rhythm, keep shooting," he said.
And shoot, San Beda did, going 8-of-32 from downtown, as it also upped the aggression which led to 13 made free throws out of 15.
The Altas tried their best to rally back and got to within six, 65-59, with 1:28 left, before Puno put them out of their misery, sending them to their third straight defeat and a 2-4 standing.
JM Tulabut paced Perps with 14 points and six rebounds, as the Las Pinas crew could not sustain its hot start after leading, 25-15, in the second frame.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 71 - Puno 15, Jamora 14, RC. Calimag 12, Torculas 9, Reyes 6, Marcelo 5, Hawkins 4, Lina 3, Etulle 3, Efron 0, Ugaddan 0, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Ri. Calimag 0.
PERPETUAL 63 - Tulabut 14, Borja 9, Gojo Cruz 8, Gelsano 7, Orgo 6, Casinillo 6, Duremdes 5, Corpuz 1, Cristino 1, Cauguiran 0.
Quarters: 15-20, 33-34, 55-50, 71-63.
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