MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion San Beda University delivered a strong rebound performance, blowing past San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 85-55, to regain momentum in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday, October 2.
Coming off a heartbreaking 55-54 loss to the Mapua Cardinals, the Red Lions unleashed a dominant third-quarter run to dismantle the Stags and improve their record to 3-2. San Sebastian remained winless after five outings.
Sean Torculas powered San Beda with a game-high 18 points, while Jimuel Reyes added nine. Jomel Puno, John Bonzalida, and Dan Marcelo contributed eight points each in the balanced offensive effort. Caesleyh Bacani and Nurben Muktimar led San Sebastian with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
In the second game, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) secured its second straight win by turning back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-79.
With the game tied at 78-all in the final minutes, the Generals executed a decisive 9-1 run—capped by a clutch three-pointer from Wilmar Oftana—to build an 87-79 cushion and seal the victory.
EJ Castillo led the charge for EAC with 23 points and three rebounds, supported by Oftana’s 13 points and six boards. The win elevated EAC to a 2-3 win-loss record, while sending Lyceum to its fourth loss in five games. Matthew Rubico’s double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds went in vain for the Pirates, alongside Roger Ondoa’s 20-point effort.
The Scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 85 — Torculas 18, Reyes 9, Puno 8, Bonzalida 8, Marcelo 8, Lina 7, Jalbuena 5, Etulle 5, Dabao 5, Estacio 3, RC Calimag 3, Sarigumba 3, Hawkins 2, R. Calimag 1.
SAN SEBASTIAN 55 — Bacani 15, Muktimar 11, Ricio 9, Velasco 4, Gabat 3, Alforque 3, Cuya 3, Segovia 2, Kitane 2, Suico 2, Barroga 1, Castor 0, Salvo 0, Chuidian 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 41-36, 62-48, 85-55.
Second Game
EAC 89 — Castillo 23, Oftana 13, Bagay 12, H. Raymundo 9, M. Raymundo 9, Nunag 8, Bonus 6, Shanoda 6, Baniqued 3, Ochavo 0, Coronel 0, Sealey 0, Mundas 0, Buen 0.
LYCEUM 79 — Rubico 21, Ondoa 20, Villegas 11, Matienzo 8, Aurigue 7, Penqafiel 6, Pallingayan 3, Aviles 2, Manuel 1, Guadana 0, Panelo 0, Fuentes 0, Cardinas 0, Daileg 0, Caduyac 0.
Quarterscores: 20-26, 55-44, 65-64, 89-79.