Lions let out big roar in stretch, scuttle Cards

San Beda toughened up down the stretch to turn back Mapua, 85-82, yesterday and seize the solo lead in the 79th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Arjun Cordero supplied the firepower in the early going while rookie Ronnie Bughao took over in the fourth quarter as the Red Lions roared to their fourth straight victory and fifth overall against two losses.

That was enough to propel them to the solo lead after the first round of the eliminations.

Bughao, a transferee from Far Eastern U, proved to be the key for San Beda as he drilled in seven of his 23 points in the last period, including four from the foul line that staved off the Cardinals’ fightback. The talented Cebuano guard likewise frolicked from beyond the arc with five triples.

The setback sent the Cardinals reeling to their third loss in seven games.

"My players showed character and poise in the endgame so I have to give this to them for hanging tough," said second year San Beda coach Jonathan Reyes. "(Ronnie) Bughao also stepped up for us in this game."

It was the Blazers sixth straight defeat.

In a rematch between last year’s finalists, defending champion San Sebastian rode on a sterling 30-point effort by Leomar Najorda as it walloped St. Benilde, 84-73, and tied Mapua at fourth spot.

The Cardinals actually had a couple of chances to steal the game but Jeff Martin fired blanks from the three-point zone four times, including a desperation game-tying attempt at midcourt with two seconds left in the contest.

Nat Cruz’s ejection midway in the third likewise aided Mapua’s downfall as the Cardinals sorely missed the power-playing cager at the height of their rally in the fourth. Cruz scored eight points inside the paint but was thrown out after figuring in a near-brawl with San Beda’s Michael Casino.

Both players faced possible suspension from the league’s management committee chaired by Frank Gusi of host San Sebastian.

With Cordero on the firing end, the Red Lions sped to a 25-8 lead and kept their heads above water until the Cardinals fought back behind a solid defense to grab a 71-69 lead at the onset of the fourth quarter.

But Bughao took over and the Red Lions regained the lead before thwarting the Cardinals’ rally with timely hits from the free throw line.