SAN Beda University walked the tightrope against a game San Sebastian College side but still got the job done yesterday.
The Red Lions carved out a thrilling 82-79 overtime decision over the Golden Stags for their third straight win in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
JB Bahio and Peter Alfaro took charge for San Beda in the extra period, giving the Lions an 81-79 buffer, before Ichie Altamirano missed on a three-point try that put the game to bed for the Lions.
Damie Cuntapay banged in 16 points on three treys and hauled down four rebounds for San Beda, while James Kwekuteye backed him up with 14 markers, seven boards, and four assists.
Tony Ynot and Bahio also had 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lions, who scored a fitting follow-up to a 76-63 whipping of Arellano University five days ago and raised their mark to 9-4 for solo third.
San Sebastian, coming off a 71-66 triumph over the Chiefs last Friday, dropped to 5-7.
In the other game, Arellano waylaid Jose Rizal University 62-52 to get back on track.
Axel Doromal uncorked 17 points and three rebounds for the Chiefs, while Travis Mantua added 12 markers, four caroms, and four dimes.
Lars Sunga and Joshua Abastillas also combined for 17 points for the Cholo Martin-mentored Arellano, which improved to 6-8.
The Heavy Bombers failed to reprise the effort and resolve they showed in a heart-stopping 61-60 escape over Emilio Aguinaldo College three days ago and fell to 6-6.
San Beda raced to a 43-32 lead at the half and was still in the driver’s seat 63-52 going into the final stanza.
But the Stags refused to lie down and die and forced OT on a Rafael Are layup with 3.8 ticks left in the fourth.
Rhinwill Yambing carried the fight for San Sebastian with 17 points, while Romel Calahat had 14 markers and 13 boards.
Jessie Sumoda also got 10 points for the Stags.
The Lions held off San Sebastian 78-71 when they first met last Sept. 21.
The Chiefs trailed 27-28 at the break but charged back and grabbed a 53-44 advantage entering the final 10 minutes.
John Amores was the only JRU player in double-digits with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Arellano redeemed itself from a sorry 67-70 loss to the Bombers in their first-round duel last Sept. 21.
