10-Point Hole Overcome as San Beda Extends Run
San Beda erased an early 10-point deficit and defeated Perpetual, 71-63, for its third consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory. Jomel Puno scored 15 points as the Red Lions improved to 5-2 and remained third in Group A.
San Beda Turns Defense Into Second-Half Momentum
Luis Licas of Tiebreaker Times chronicled San Beda’s comeback after Perpetual established a 10-point advantage during Thursday’s first half. The Red Lions trimmed that deficit to 34-33 by halftime at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Coach Yuri Escueta emphasized defensive focus during the break, challenging San Beda to improve without forcing its offensive execution. His message preceded an 11-0 third-quarter opening that immediately changed the scoreboard and gave the Red Lions control.
“At halftime, I was just telling them just to focus defensively and the offense will take care of itself,” Escueta said.
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Red Lions Open Third Quarter With 11-0 Run
San Beda held Perpetual scoreless during the third quarter’s opening four minutes while producing 11 unanswered points. The run overturned San Beda’s one-point halftime deficit and established its first significant advantage against the Altas.
Jomel Puno Steps Up With Efficient Performance
Jomel Puno led all scorers with 15 points, providing San Beda an efficient offensive contribution during Thursday’s comeback. The forward converted six of nine field-goal attempts, maximizing his opportunities while helping the Red Lions secure another victory.
Puno acknowledged his struggles during previous games but emphasized San Beda’s results over his individual statistical production. His response reflected satisfaction with contributing when needed as the Red Lions extended their winning streak to three games.
“The other games, I didn’t play too well, but as long as the team’s winning, that’s all that matters,” Puno said.
Puno Converts Six of Nine Field-Goal Attempts
Puno’s six field goals came from only nine attempts, giving San Beda efficient scoring from its leading producer. He also welcomed opportunities to contribute whenever needed, emphasizing his willingness to step forward within San Beda’s rotation.
“If they need me and I’m able to step up, that would also be good for me, I guess,” he added.
Red Lions Get Balanced Scoring Support
Kyle Jamora finished with 14 points, while RC Calimag contributed 12 as San Beda produced three double-digit scorers. Their combined production supported Puno’s game-high 15 points as the Red Lions recovered from another difficult opening stretch.
Aldous Torculas added nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals while contributing across multiple statistical categories against Perpetual. Those numbers gave San Beda additional production beyond its three double-digit scorers during the eight-point victory in San Juan.
Jamora, Calimag and Torculas Provide Support
Jamora and Calimag combined for 26 points, while Torculas finished one point short of joining them in double figures. Torculas also collected eight rebounds and two steals, supplementing San Beda’s scoring contributions with additional possessions and defensive production.
San Beda Limits JM Tulabut After Halftime
JM Tulabut scored 12 first-half points, providing most of Perpetual’s offense while the Altas built their early advantage. San Beda limited Tulabut to two points after halftime, leaving him with a team-high 14 for the contest.
No other Perpetual player reached double figures, underscoring the scoring gap behind the Altas’ leading offensive contributor. Perpetual nevertheless remained competitive and entered the fourth quarter trailing by five after San Beda’s strong third-period response.
Perpetual Leading Scorer Finishes With 14 Points
Tulabut scored nearly all his points before halftime, recording 12 before adding only two during the second half. His 14-point total still led Perpetual, but the Altas lacked another double-digit scorer during their eight-point defeat.
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Red Lions Protect Lead in Fourth Quarter
Perpetual trimmed San Beda’s advantage to 60-55 early in the fourth quarter, keeping pressure on the defending champions. The Red Lions answered by restoring their margin to 10 points before completing the 71-63 victory over the Altas.
San Beda improved to 5-2 and remained third in Group A after securing its third consecutive victory. Perpetual fell to 3-4, leaving the Altas with additional ground to recover during the NCAA Season 102 race.
San Beda Extends Winning Streak to Three
San Beda’s third consecutive victory improved its record to 5-2 while keeping the Red Lions third in Group A. The defending champions next face Arellano University as they seek another victory following their comeback against Perpetual.
Analytical Breakdown: Shutting Down the Hot Hand
San Beda’s defensive adjustment changed the game, particularly by disrupting Tulabut after his productive first-half scoring performance. Puno’s efficient shooting complemented that defensive improvement, giving the Red Lions reliable production without consuming unnecessary offensive possessions. San Beda must still address slow starts because stronger opponents could punish early deficits before defensive adjustments can create recovery opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the San Beda versus Perpetual final score?
San Beda defeated Perpetual, 71-63, in their NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball matchup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Who led San Beda in scoring against Perpetual?
Jomel Puno led the Red Lions with 15 points while converting six of his nine field-goal attempts.
What is San Beda’s NCAA Season 102 record?
San Beda improved to 5-2 after defeating Perpetual and extending its winning streak to three consecutive games.
How did San Beda turn the game around?
San Beda opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run while holding Perpetual scoreless for four minutes.
How many points did JM Tulabut score?
Tulabut scored 14 points for Perpetual but managed only two after halftime against San Beda’s improved defense.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Business Mirror.
