Red Lions keep semis hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines — Yulkien Andrada carried San Beda anew on his shoulders in a 74-69 victory over Jose Rizal U yesterday that further enhanced the Red Lions’ Final Four aspiration in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Andrada fired a game-best 18 points, 14 coming in the second half when the Lions weathered repeated fightbacks launched by the Bombers to preserve their 10th victory in 16 outings.

The recent result also catapulted San Beda from fifth to joint third with St. Benilde and behind No. 1 Mapua (14-3) and No. 2 Lyceum (12-4).

In contrast, it kicked Jose Rizal U down from No. 4 to No. 5 with a 10-7 mark.

The Lions would need to sweep their two remaining games versus the Pirates on Tuesday and the Letran Knights on the final day of the elimination round on Friday to officially claim the last ticket to the semis.

In the other game, University of Perpetual Help (9-8) eliminated Emilio Aguinaldo College (8-9) while breathing life to its Final Four wish with an 86-80 victory.