The San Beda Red Lions used a blistering second half surge to defeat the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 80-65, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
In the second game, Jamil Ortuoste poured 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as the San Sebastian Stags (2-2) outlasted erstwhile unbeaten Perpetual Help, 78-77.
But the Altas put the Stags’ victory under protest, citing an incident in the second period when Jessie Rebollos fouled Juneric Baloria, who, they claimed, should have been given free throws.
Altas team captain Harold Arboleda signed the scoresheet after the game to signify the protest.
It seemed as if the Red Lions were in trouble again early after they trailed, 34-39, at halftime.
But the Red Lions got down to work and claimed the lead, 54-45, behind the spot-on shooting of Art dela Cruz, Dan Sara and Baser Amer.
Ola Adeogun’s putback eventually gave San Beda a 58-52 lead heading to the final stanza.
The wheels just broke off for EAC as Kyle Pascual scored six points in a pivotal breakaway that turned the game into a one-sided rout. San Beda improved to 3-1 (win-loss) while EAC fell to 1-3.
Dela Cruz paced the Red Lions with 18 points and nine rebounds while Amer added 14 points and nine assists.
Igee King, the son of former PBA player Abe King, led the Generals with 18 markers.