Torculas Drops 29 As San Beda Edges Jru In 65-62 Thriller

The San Beda Red Lions stayed composed in a tight second half, coming back from behind to escape with a close 65-62 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

JRU started strong by hitting four three-pointers in the first quarter to take a 19-14 lead. However, San Beda fought back in the second period, outscoring JRU to grab a narrow 34-33 lead at halftime.

The second half turned into a physical battle, with both teams trading leads and momentum. 

Down by five points with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, San Beda tightened its defense and held JRU without a field goal over the final three minutes of regulation.

Sean Torculas powered the Red Lions with an explosive double-double performance, dropping a game-high 29 points on 8-of-13 shooting alongside 6 rebounds. Andrei Ugaddan stepped up in key moments, delivering a flawless shooting display from deep by going 3-of-3 beyond the arc to finish with 8 points.

In the final seconds, JRU had one last chance to equalize. Sean Salvador broke free on the run and hoisted a potential game-tying three-pointer. The shot flew straight on target but bounced in and out at the horn, leaving Salvador down onto the hardwood in frustration as San Beda escaped with the narrow three-point victory.

During the post-game press conference, San Beda Head Coach Yuri Escueta praised his team's resilience while acknowledging the dramatic final play.

"The players really wanted to win today," Coach Yuri Escueta said. "We know how important this game is for us, especially in this first round. We were down five with two minutes left, but they never quit. I told them at the start of the game that we just have to stick to our identity, and they did."

Coach Yuri also admitted there was a stroke of luck on the final possession: "May halong swerte rin, kasi 'yung tira ni Salvador diretso talaga. It could have been a heartbreaking lesson for us cause we had fouls to give."

He praised the team's defensive intensity when the game was on the line.

"The main reason why we pulled through is defense. Whatever we get from our offense is just a bonus. Our calling card has always been our defense."

Torculas, who carried the offense throughout the game, attributed his performance to the team's preparation and trust in the system.

"Siguro sa preparation din namin at tinulungan kami ni Coach Yuri to read the defense and create open shots for my teammates," Torculas shared. "Sobrang grateful ako sa trust na binibigay nila Coach sa amin."

Ugaddan also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute in crunch time.

"In-extra ko lang 'yung shooting, and sinasabi naman sa amin ni Coach Yuri na kapag pinagtrabahuhan mo, lalabas talaga," Ugaddan said. "Pinagtrabahuhan lang namin 'yung depensa namin, at susunod na lang 'yung offense."

The Scores:

SAN BEDA (65) – Torculas 29, Ugaddan 11, Marcelo 5, Etulle 5, Estacio 4, Hawkins 4, Puno 3, Reyes 2, Lina 2, Jamora 0, Bonzalida 0, Songcuya 0, Calimag 0.

JRU (62) – Hubilla 14, Eligado 13, Salvador 11, Mangubat 10, Garcia 6, Laurenaria 3, Garupil 3, Palis 2, Masiglat 0, Agemenyi 0, Duque 0, Bagro 0.

Quarterscores: 19-14, 33-34, 49-45, 62-65.

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media