Fr. Martin’s Cup: San Beda completes rousing comeback for second straight win

The San Beda Red Lions knocked down crucial baskets down the stretch to get their second straight win, 78-75, in the Group A Seniors Division of the continuing 25th Fr. Martin’s Cup Summer League presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

Ain Obenza’s 20 points carried the Mendiola-based squad, with 14 of those coming in the second half. Ralph Penuela and Resty Fornis scored 12 and 10 respectively.

After trailing for the whole first half, San Beda unleashed a 13-3 run to take the lead at the end of the third canto. Treston College answered back with a 11-2 run on their own in the fourth quarter, led by Leo Esguerra and RB Dela Cruz.

San Beda vs. San Sebastian in the high school division of the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup.
San Beda vs. San Sebastian in the high school division of the 25th Fr. Martin’s Cup.

The game was a shootout between the two teams down to the last two minutes. However, back-to-back treys by Obenza and a Visser layup have given San Beda the lead for good.

Leo Esguerra led Treston with 25 markers, but only RB Dela Cruz scored in double digits with 19. It was the second straight loss for the Golden Lions.

In the second affair, Treston College secured its second victory by demolishing St. Patrick, 88-67, in the Juniors A Division.

Jeff Tanay and Charles Dela Cruz led the way with 14 and 12 points, while RJ Yanos, and Omimiyi Falowe scored 10 apiece in what was a display of balanced firepower.

The Golden Cubs turned up their defense in the third period, causing St. Patrick to turn the ball over multiple times to extend the lead to 17 points coming into the fourth quarter.

They started the final frame with an 11-2 run and never looked back as they preserved the win.

Aaron Lumapas chipped in 23 points while Germie Sanchez put in 16 markers for St. Patrick, who were dealt their third loss in a row.

A strong showing in the second quarter proved to be all the difference as San Sebastian got their first victory of the tournament by drubbing San Beda B, 77-53, in the Juniors B Division.

It was the third straight loss for San Beda B, who are still yet to find their footing in the tournament.

San Sebastian frustrated San Beda B by running the fast break every chance they got, launching a 14-3 run after the first quarter. No Red Cub scored in double digits, in what was an impressive defensive effort by the Baby Staglets.

James Una and Nikko Aguilar led the charge scoring 12 apiece, while Kenneth Brizo poured in 11 markers for San Sebastian, who are now holding a 1-1 win-loss card in the Group B standings.

Mapua University continued its winning ways by blowing out UPHSD, 91-53, in Group A of the Seniors Division. It was the third straight win for the Intramuros-based team.

The Cardinals held the Altas scoreless in the first five minutes of the second quarter, with the latter shooting blanks all over from distance. Christian Bunag and Lawrenz Victoria scored 12 unanswered points in that stretch to gain the sizeable advantage.

Mapua’s lead even ballooned to as high as 38 points in the fourth quarter, as the Altas never threatened despite their late rally.

Lawrenz Victoria scored 14 points, while Christian Bunag and Justin Serrano notched 10 apiece for Mapua. Edgar Charcos and Ben Adamos tallied 10 apiece for UPHSD, who lost for the first time in the league.