Plucky San Beda defeats Ateneo in preseason battle of champions

San Beda overcame a sizeable deficit to pull off a come-from-behind 63-61 win over Ateneo Saturday night for the Red Lions’ third win in the Fil Oil-Flying V Hanes Preseason Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Nigerian Ola Adeogun and second-year guard Baser Amer combined for 30 points as they led the Red Lions’ charge in the fourth period to earn the comeback win after facing a 48-39 deficit at the end of the third.

Newly-installed San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc said that the win was all about heart.

“In the first and second quarter, we were totally out, tingin ko naunahan kami. I felt that I didn’t do a good job of preparing their minds but the boys responded. I think it was the heart of the boys, it’s just that simple,” Magsanoc said.

The Blue Eagles were limited to a field goal in the first five minutes of the game as the Red Lions built an 11-2 run to tie the game at 50-all.

Julius Armon finally gave San Beda the upper hand when he scored a jumper but Juami Tiongson tied the game at 59-all with a jumper with 62 seconds left in the game.

The Red Lions took the lead for good when Amer scored two free throws with 56.1 seconds to play in the match.

Adeogun finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds while Amer added 14 points and Rome Dela Rosa 10 markers.

Greg Slaughter had 24 points and 13 rebounds while Kiefer Ravena had 10 for the Blue Eagles, who suffered their first loss in three games.

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