MY BALL. San Beda University's Jomel Puno takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College defenders during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday (Oct. 22, 2023). The Red Lions won, 86-72, to take solo second place at the end of the first round of eliminations. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – San Beda University downed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-72, to end up second after the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday.
Jacob Cortez scored 17 points and three assists while three others delivered double-digit outputs as the Red Lions rolled to their fourth straight win and improved to 7-2.
Yukien Andrada chipped in 14 points, two assists and one steal; Clifford Jopia had 11 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two assists; and Jomel Puno produced 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Andrada and Puno combined for 17 points to put San Beda ahead, 44-38, at halftime.
The Red Lions entered the final frame leading 72-52.
Ralph Robin finished with 22 points while King Gurtiza contributed 10 points for EAC, which tied College of Saint Benilde for fourth at 5-4 heading into the next round of eliminations.
The Blazers claimed their fifth victory by whipping the Letran Knights, 68-55, in the second game.
Miguel Oczon led Saint Benilde with 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. (PNA)
