Vengeful Lions halt Bombers

San Beda pricked the Jose Rizal bubble last night, hacking out a 71-59 victory that ended the Heavy Bombers winning streak to eight games in the 84th NCAA basketball tournament at the Astrodome.

The Red Lions worked on a solid defense and displayed a lot of poise as they notched their eighth win in 11 games and joined the Heavy Bombers on top of the standings entering the crucial stages of the elims.

Nigerian Sam Ekwe fired 17 points, including key jumpers in the fourth quarter, in the game that produced a lot of heroes for San Beda, the reigning back-to-back champions.

“We’re happy to be back on top. This would help us going into our last three games,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

Aside from getting back into the thick of things, the Lions also avenged a heartbreaking 74-79 loss to the Bombers last July 23.

“They (Heavy Bombers) got a lot of confidence from that win. And they’re due for a loss. They won eight consecutive games and I think it’s about time they lose,” said Lim of Jose Rizal’s amazing win streak.

Skipper Pong Escobal, Borgie Hermida had 15 points apiece while Ogie Menor scattered 13 of his own. Jay-R Taganas, filling the pivotal four spot vacated by Yousef Aljamal, plucked 11 rebounds for San Beda.

San Elvin Pascual, Riego Gamalindo, JR Tecson and Dave Marcelo all came off the bench to help San Beda score the victory.

The Red Lions silenced the Heavy Bombers’ three-point guns, holding the latter to just six conversions this time after exploding for 13 the first time they met.

“If you noticed, we stretched out, we didn’t give them open looks early on. We limited their three points shots. I think we’re successful on that part,” said Lim.

Earlier, Philippine Christian U trounced Perpetual Help, 59-51, in a non-bearing game.

Playing without veterans Beau Belga and Lei Navarro, the Dolphins used a great team effort in notching their third win against eight losses.

“Our goal is to go all out in our remaining games. The players are working hard to win,” said PCU coach Joel Dualan.

The Altas absorbed their 10th straight setback following an upset win over the San Sebastian Stags on opening day.