(UPDATE) San Beda University showcased a remarkable comeback as they defeated Mapua University 71-65 in Game Two of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball finals. The victory forced a winner-take-all showdown between the two teams. The Mall of Asia Arena was filled with an impressive turnout of 22,465 fans who witnessed the thrilling match.
Leading the charge for San Beda was Jacob Cortez, who contributed 21 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the last 4 minutes and 28 seconds of the game. Despite a lackluster third quarter performance, the Red Lions rallied in the final 10 minutes, scoring a total of 23 points. Yukien Andrada sealed the fourth-quarter surge with a three-pointer, giving the Red Lions a 70-63 advantage with just 2 minutes and 21 seconds remaining on the clock.
Mapua University attempted to mount a comeback but struggled to convert key free throws down the stretch. It was only in the last 8 seconds that Peter Alfaro split his free throws, securing the victory for San Beda.
The series will now move to Game Three, which will take place on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta expressed his desire to maintain the same level of intensity in the upcoming do-or-die game. He emphasized the importance of replicating their performance in Game Two, stating, “We just wanted to replicate what we did today, let’s go all out.”
Escueta also highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “We’ve been in this situation before, not just once but six times maybe. The only thing that we did is to stay together and not give up, fight until the end.”
In addition to Cortez’s impressive scoring, he also contributed nine rebounds and three assists. Jomel Puno provided valuable support with nine points and five rebounds. Yukien Andrada finished with nine points and four rebounds, while Clifford Jopia contributed eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.
At one point, it seemed that the Mapua Cardinals were on the verge of securing their first championship in 32 years at the expense of the Red Lions, the same team they defeated in 1991. Mapua put up a strong performance in the third quarter, outscoring San Beda 23-6 and erasing a 30-42 halftime deficit. However, the Red Lions mounted a comeback and regained control of the game with a 9-0 run in the final minutes.
Despite his struggles in shooting, Season MVP Clint Escamis made significant contributions with four assists, nine rebounds, and 15 points. JC Recto delivered a solid performance with 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Paolo Hernandez tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
The stage is now set for an exciting Game Three, where both teams will battle it out for the coveted NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball championship. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown between San Beda University and Mapua University as they leave everything on the court.
Source: The Manila Times
