Angel Marquez | FCF

In the clash of titans, there are no safe leads, there is no mismatch.

Defending three-time champions San Beda College escaped with an overtime win against nemesis University of Perpetual Help, 78-76, entering the last month of National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball eliminations at the San Juan Arena Thursday night.

The game, despite its nerve-wracking resolution, was supposed to be a rout for the Red Lions.

The champs, erstwhile holding an 11-2 card against the 11-3 Altas, opened the game at 12-0 by playing a running game that the Altas can’t seem to chase.

Arthur de la Cruz, Rome de la Rosa, and Baser Amer led a balanced scoring attack in the first half, smashing the Altas by as much as 17 points.

The second stringers then the for San Beda’s sustained attack with crucial baskets from Ryusei Koga, Von Abatayo, and Jaypee Mendoza as their lead peaked at 21, 57-36, in the last two minutes of the third quarter.

Seemingly down perpetually, the Altas launched a last ditch effort with a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter with drives from Nosa Omorogbe and Juneric Baloria, and a suprise trey by Mark Bitoy.

After an exchange of baskets, the Altas blanked the Lions, 10-0, midway in the fourth quarter with inside shots from Omorogbe, Scottie Thompson, and Harold Arboleda. During said run, the Red Lions absorbed a big blow with the fouling out of Ola Adeogun in the last two minutes, and they were suddenly down by only five, 63-58.

Down 61-66 in the last 20 seconds, Omorogbe swished two free throws, and then stole Koga’s inbound pass to de la Cruz for an open layup to inch closer by one, 65-66. During said play, the San Beda coaching staff complained about Omorogbe’s apparent push on de la Cruz prior to the steal, which was let go by the referees.

After two swished free throws by Amer, Omorogbe did the unthinkable, swishing an off-balanced three-pointer from 25 feet, in front of the outstretched arms of de la Rosa. The shot sent the game to overtime, 68-68.

It was  a game of runs in overtime as Kyle Pascual, who replaced Adeogun, swished two jumpers to start the extra period for a 72-68 lead.

Still down by four, 72-76, Altas forward Harold Arboleda barged into the lane for two dribble drive shots to tie the game for a second time at 76 with 34 seconds to go.

A string of missed shots then followed, as the Red Lions went running off a rebound, as the winning basket was delivered by a driving de la Rosa to a waiting de la Cruz, who banked in a short stab with 12 seconds to go.

The Altas had a chance to save themselves for one last possession but it all went for naught as Baloria missed a corner trey.

“Ganito naman kasi ang laro naman, kung sino ang libre, sya yung bigyan. We always give attention to the open guys,” said de la Cruz after the game. He finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.

His frontline buddy de la Rosa seconded de la Cruz’s remark. “The key is to keep everyone together, to get everyone involved in our plays. There’s no number one guy in this team and it’s all about teamwork,” he said. He tallied 12 points in 39 minutes of guarding Omorogbe and Arboleda.

San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez expressed his delight on the win, saying that it assured them of at least a playoff for a final four slot. The Red Lions, now sitting idly at first place, were led by Amer with 21 points and five assists.

For their part, Altas head coach Aric del Rosario said that Baloria’s health was an issue and with sixth man Thompson starting, Perpetual Help was in disarray in the opening minutes.

“Hindi pa sanay si Thompson as starter, si Baloria naman, galing sa sipon kaya di ko inistart. Si Scottie, siguro nasa utak lang niya iyon na alangan siyang mag-start,” he explained.

He nonetheless commended his players for not giving up and despite the loss, he said the team is still in high spirits.

“Lalaban pa rin sila, nasa top 3 pa rin kami at ayaw nilang mawala dun,” he said.

The Altas, led by Omorogbe with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals, are now at third place with an 11-4 record. Arboleda added 14 points, 17 rebounds, and five dimes.

In the first game, Emilio Aguinaldo College solidified their hold of fifth place and are now at 7-7 after beating the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 71-63.

Led by Jorem Morada, who fired 14 points in the first quarter, and Jolas Paguia who stabilized the Generals later in the game, relied on press breaks and recoveries from turnovers, which was key for them erecting double digit leads in second half.

“Sinabi ko lang sa mga guards na sila ang nakaka-receive ng press, kaya relax lang kayo. Natuto na kami sa tuwing hinahabol kami, at kailangan talagang ingatan ang malaking lead,” said the graduating Paguia.

Morada finished the game with 21 points and five steals while Paguia scored 18 points. Aziz Mbomiko led the way for the 4-10 Pirates with 15 points and nine rebounds.