San Beda Escapes CSB In Thrilling NCAA Opening Game

Art Dela Cruz made the game-winning alleyoop layup off an inbounds play with 3.4 seconds left to allow San Beda to escape College of Saint Benilde, 71-70, in the opening match of NCAA Season 89 on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The defending champion Red Lions dominated most of the game, going on a 10-0 run to start the match and nursing double-digit lead for much of the second half.

But they flirted with disaster, collapsing late in the game before leaning on the heroics of Dela Cruz to turn back the season’s host Blazers made a furious rally in the fourth quarter. Benilde scored eight straight points to cut the San Beda lead to just two points, 63-61, with five minutes left in the game.

The Red Lions answered with four straight points to give themselves more cushion, 67-61.

But Benilde was not done. Michael Bartolo scored a three-point play over San Beda center Ola Adeogun, Mark Romero scored a three-pointer, and the Blazers capitalized from split free throws by Adeogun and Red Lions point guard Baser Amer to cut the deficit to just two points, 69-67.

Fons Saavedra then hit a three-pointer with 4.7 seconds left to give Benilde its first and only lead of the game, 70-69, prompting San Beda to call a timeout.

Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez drew up the finals play that his team executed perfectly, allowing San Beda to come away with the win.

Dela Cruz finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

source: InterAktv