San Beda used a first-half cushion to survive Mapua 79-70 and snare the solo Group B lead in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Up by 13 at halftime, the Lions suddenly turned cold as the Cardinals rallied to within 64-58 going into the final canto.
But San Beda woke up by making the stops when needed and hitting the shots that mattered to preserve the victory, its fourth in five outings.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta was quick to point out the loss of concentration of his wards in the third period.
‘I’m not really satisfied,’ said Escueta. ‘We allowed them 24 points in the third quarter. Good thing in the fourth quarter we were able to make stops and get baskets.’
He also pointed at their lack of rebounding.
‘This is the first game we got outrebounded,’ said Escueta referring to Mapua’s 36 boards to his squad’s 35.