MANILA — Before an appreciative crowd of 22,465 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, the San Beda Red Lions secured a 71-65 victory against the Mapua Cardinals in Game Two on December 10, setting the stage for a riveting decider in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals.
Jacob Cortez orchestrated a late-game surge, contributing 21 points, including two crucial triples in the last 4:28. Despite a challenging third quarter, San Beda emerged with a remarkable 23-point performance in the final canto.
The pivotal moment came with Yukien Andrada’s three-pointer, granting the Red Lions a 70-63 advantage with 2:21 remaining.
Mapua attempted a comeback but faltered, missing crucial free throws, and Peter Alfaro sealed the deal by splitting his charities in the last 8 seconds.
Game Three is scheduled for next Sunday, December 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(AI/MNM)
