San Beda University shoots for win No. 6 as it squares off with an RK Ilagan-less San Sebastian College even as Perpetual Help seeks to assume solo third as it tangles with Mapua today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Relying on another all-around effort by Robert Bolick and the clutch shooting of AC Soberano, the Lions turned back the Letran Knights, 80-76, in overtime Friday to stay unbeaten in five outings and at second behind the Lyceum of the Phl U Pirates (7-0).
Bolick found ways to overcome every defender thrown at him by Letran and finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Soberano hit two booming triples in OT to help the reigning back-to-back titlist escape with the win.
Bolick was quick to attribute his career-high rebounding from the inspiration he got from PBA Finals MVP Brgy. Ginebra Scottie Thompson.
“I’m inspired by Scottie Thompson. If he can rebound, why can’t I,” said Bolick.
The Altas are also on the rise after they fended off the Jose Rizal Bombers’ upset try with a 78-72 win to nail their second win in a row and fourth overall against two defeats, good for joint third with the Knights.
If they beat the Cardinals (2-5) in their 2 p.m. showdown, the Las Pinas-based dribblers will move to solo third.
Edgar Charcos spewed a game-high 25 points, while AJ Coronel and Jelo Razon hit three straight triples late to help seal the win.
Perpetual Help coach Frankie Lim said they will need to continue shooting better to beat Mapua.
“It will be our offense I think. If we come up with good looks, we’ll be okay,” said Lim.