San Beda Escapes EAC Storm Behind Calimag’s Late Heroics

In the NCAA, complacency is a luxury no team can afford. Even for the defending champions, resolve is tested down to the final second.

That reality hit hard as San Beda University barely escaped a furious Emilio Aguinaldo College comeback, snatching an 89-86 victory to close out the crossover round at the Playtime Filoil EcoOil Centre.

San Beda appeared in complete command after John Bonzalida and Aldous Torculas hit back-to-back triples to build an 85-74 cushion midway through the fourth period. But just as the Red Lions seemed ready to pull away, their offense suddenly hit a brick wall.

Refusing to yield, the Generals exploded for a blistering 12-0 run led by EJ Castillo, MJ Raymundo, and Joseph Nunag. EAC wiped out the double-digit deficit in a flash, seizing an 86-85 lead with 1:15 remaining.

Held without a single field goal the rest of the way, San Beda had to rely on pure grit—and the clutch heroics of RC Calimag.

Calimag turned the tide by picking off a crucial steal, drawing a foul, and calmly sinking both free throws under intense pressure to reclaim an 87-86 lead. Moments later, he returned to the line to add two more charities, extending the margin to 89-86.

A suffocating final defensive stop by Zane Jalbuena on Raymundo’s last-second three-point attempt sealed the hard-fought win..

"Sabi ni Coach Yuri noong halftime, we’re too soft. Kailangan namin ng tapang and mas may diin pa," said Torculas, who paced San Beda with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. "I gotta give it to RC, 'yung willingness to win and ayaw magpatalo."

It wasn't pretty, and it certainly wasn't easy. But when the storm hit, the Red Lions proved that a champion's will to survive makes all the difference.

The Scores:

San Beda 89 – Torculas 19, Bonzalida 12, Reyes 11, Calimag 11, Etulle 9, Lina 7, Marcelo 7, Hawkins 4, Jamora 3, Puno 3, Dabao 3, Jalbuena 0.

Emilio Aguinaldo 86 – Castillo 19, M. Raymundo 17, Nunag 12, Bagay 9, Ochavo 7, H. Raymundo 6, Shanoda 5, Coronel 5, Oftana 4, Sealey 0, Luna 0, Namoro 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26, 44-44, 73-67, 89-86.

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media