Jacob Cortez knocked in a career- high 24 points as the San Beda University Red Lions got away with 74-70 triumph over the Jose Rizal University on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Cortez’s steal, layup and two charities in the last 12 seconds powered the Red Lions to their fourth win in six games.
With Peter Alfaro and Jomel Puno adding 12 points apiece, the Red Lions bounced back from a 62-67 setback to the Lyceum Pirates.
The Red Lions were behind by a point with less than a minute left in the final canto, when Cortez knocked in a floater over the outstretched arms of JRU’s Shawn Argente to gain the lead, 71-70.
The Red Lions played without coach Yuri Escueta, who was booted out during their match with Lyceum.
Red Lions assistant Andre Santos said they are glad with their bounce-back win.
“Siguro, emotional lang ako because it has been a tough week. Siyempre, we’re in unfamiliar territory with coach Yuri not around. Bihira kami to practice without him, so to have a full week without him, to play a tough JRU team without him, the emotions really raised. But I am really grateful that we got that win because we needed that win so badly,” said Santos.