MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion San Beda University strengthened its bid for a twice-to-beat quarterfinals incentive after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 71-65, in the second round of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The quarterfinals-bound San Beda improved to a 9-3 win-loss record, tied with Jose Rizal University for the Group A lead.
College of Saint Benilde, however, can complicate things on top of Group A. The Blazers currently have an 8-3 record and will take on the Heavy Bombers on Friday and the Red Lions on Tuesday.
Lyceum, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of Group A with a 4-8 card while Mapua is at fourth place with a 6-6 card.
While the top two spots in Group A that will get incentives in the next round are up for grabs, Mapua and Lyceum is assured of making the play-in for the fourth quarterfinals berth. The Cardinals, however, witll have the twice to beat edge against the Pirates.
The scores:
SBU (71) - Marcelo 22, Torculas 17, Lina 9, Puno 8, Jamora 4, Etulle 4, Ugaddan 3, Calimag 3, Sarigumba 1, Reyes 0, Estacio 0, Jalbuena 0, Efron 0, Hawkins 0, Bonzalida 0
LPU (65) - Rubico 14, Daileg 11, Guadana 9, Ondoa 7, Caduyac 6, Villegas 6, Matienzo 4, Fuentes 3, Penafiel 3, Manuel 2, Aurigue 0, Panelo 0, Pallingayan 0, Cardinas 0, Nocum 0
Quarter scores: 20-9, 31-33, 53-47, 71-65