NCAA: Torculas shines as San Beda survives JRU’s fightback

MANILA — San Beda kept its composure in holding on for a 75-71 win over Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. 

Aldous Torculas led the way for the Red Lions with 15 points and eight rebounds, while the troika of Bismarck Lina, Dan Marcelo and Kyle Jamora turned in 14, 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Red Lions fumbled a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter but stayed with the course for a 7-3 improvement in Group A.

“Sinabi ko lang sa teammates ko na we have to stay composed,” said Torculas. “‘Di pa tapos ‘yong laro sabi ko sa kanila, tapos pinakita lang namin na kaya namin gumawa ng winning plays.”

The Heavy Bombers erased a 67-46 deficit, tying the game at 71 thanks to a three-pointer from Sean Salvador with 1:28 to play.

Zed Etulle stayed poised in the closing stretch for San Beda, knocking down four free throws to finish with seven points and six boards.

Salvador paced JRU with 19 points while Jalen Garcia had 14 as the Bombers tripped to an identical card with San Beda.

SBU 75 – Torculas 15, Lina 14, Marcelo 13, Jamora 12, Etulle 7, Ugaddan 7, Puno 3, Reyes 2, Calimag 2, Bonzalida 0, Hawkins 0, Estacio 0

JRU 71 – Salvador 19, Garcia 14, Eligado 9, Penaverde 9, Panapanaan 6, Laurenaria 6, Palis 3, Duque 2, Garupil 2, Castillo 1, Hubilla 0, Bagro 0, Masiglat 0

Quarter scores: 15-21, 41-36, 67-46, 75-71