File – San Bedar James Vecuteye. In NCAA Season 97. NCAA / GMA photo
MANILA, Philippines – A tough fight to win the NCAA Season 97 Men’s Basketball on Sunday, 67-53, defeated Jose Rizal at the Greenhills Gym in San Beda La Salle, Philippines.
Still adapting to a game without foreign players that has helped them in their campaign over the years, the Red Lions are in the fourth quarter relying on big men Demi Cantap and JV Bahio.
The Red Lions defended a shady alley below the stretch, limiting the heavy bombers to just nine points in the fourth period to join the first-winner Letron with a 3-0 record.
Phil-Canadian forward James Koekute has topped San Beda with 17 points. But late in the game Bahio and Cantapaye secured a combined 16-point victory.
“I told the big guys I had to go to you,” said San Beda coach Boyette Fernandez.
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