Late trey lifts SBC past host Perpetual

Clint Doliguez hit an open three-pointer in the closing seconds as San Beda survived Perpetual Help on the road, 57-53, to stay within striking distance of unbeaten Lyceum in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Perpetual Help gym in Las Piñas yesterday.

In a low scoring duel of the league’s top defensive teams, the Lions blew their lead in a wild finish but leaned on Doliguez’s triple to regain control then Robert Bolick made up for his offensive struggle by canning two pressure-packed charities.

The Lions thus notched their seventh victory in eight games, half-a-game behind the unbeaten Pirates (7-0).

Doliguez ended up with a teamhigh 11 points while Bolick had 10 points and 11 rebounds and missed a triple-double feat with seven assists against eight turnovers.

“We knew it’s going to be a tough game and Perpetual Help likes to play it slow and plays really tough defense,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “But credit to the team, they were resilient and kept fighting until the end.”

The Altas took a 53-52 lead after Kieth Pido drove past two defenders on a spectacular finish on a break with over a minute to go but the Lions countered on that Doliguez’ triple then shut down the Altas the rest of the way.

Bolick secured the victory from the line.

Prince Eze had 11 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks but flubbed a pair of free throws leading to that Doliguez trey. The Altas fell to 3-5 (win-loss). San Beda and Perpetual Help battled each other into a lowscoring start with the former barely taking 10-9 after the opening quarter and 21-20 at the break.

Meanwhile, Lyceum seeks to extend its streak to eight as it clashes with resurgent Letran today as action shifts back to the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

The Pirates, however, will miss coach Topex Robinson, who will serve the one-game suspension following his ejection in their win over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals last week.

In juniors’ action, the Cubs turned back the Altalettes, 90-79, to nail its sixth win against two defeats.

Sam Abu Hijle and Peter Alfaro paced last year’s losing finalist with 19 points apiece to stay just half a game behind solo leader Mapua (6-1).

Perpetual Help fell to 3-5.