PUSHED against the ropes by gritty College of St. Benilde, San Beda University’s endgame poise spelled the big difference anew yesterday.
The Red Lions outlasted the Blazers 63-57 in their play-in duel to clinch No. 3 spot in the Final Four of the 97th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Fil-Canadian James Kwekuteye scattered a game-high 17 points, on top of four rebounds for San Beda, while Yukien Andrada had 11 markers on three three-pointers, and four boards.
Kwekuteye, however, left for good in the final 1:31 due to a left ankle injury after he was taken down by CSB’s AJ Benson.
The Lions made up for their numbing 56-59 loss to defending champion Letran last Friday and forged a semifinals battle with No. 2 Mapua, armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, on Sunday at the same venue.
The Blazers failed to recover from a 63-67 defeat also to San Beda in the elimination round six days ago.
In the other play-in game, Perpetual Help ousted Arellano University, pulling off a 59-52 victory to force a knockout tiff with CSB for the fourth seed in the Final Four.
Kim Aurin took charge for the Altas with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Jielo Razon added 10 markers, six caroms, and six dimes.
Lean Martel also had 10 and six as Perpetual scored a fitting follow-up to its 63-60 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College three days ago.
Despite the triumph, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez blasted the game’s officiating.
“We’re just happy that we got this win. Mahirap magsabi pero sana tingnan nila iyong officiating, medyo masyadong mabigat,” Fernandez said.
“Ayaw ko na paulit-ulit kaming magte-tape tapos ibibigay namin sa kanila, hindi rin nila makikita. I have so much respect for Commissioner Bai (Cristobal) (but) check lang natin kung ano iyong mga weaknesses, iyong mga maling tawag ng referees,” he added.
The Lions led 26-20 at the half and still enjoyed a 40-37 cushion going into the payoff period.
The Blazers went on a 12-3 run that razed a 43-57 deficit and pulled to within 55-60 on a Will Gozum basket with 17.8 seconds remaining.
But Ralph Penuela canned three of his four free throws that sealed San Beda’s win, only 16.3 ticks left.
Robi Nayve was the lone bright spot for CSB with 10 points.
Jordan Sta. Ana scored 12 points for the Chiefs, while MVP candidate Justin Arana sang his swan song with nine markers, 17 rebounds, and two blocks.
