Cardinals blasted off a well-planned game after dumping the Red Lions in the first frame with six points lead, a tie in the second quarter, and eight points advantage in the third frame.

The first three quarters were a scare off to San Beda especially since it was Mapua who gave them the first loss card in the elimination round. 

But the Lions crawled back to its place, having James Kwekuteye play through a sprained ankle and poured 17 points followed by Jacob Cortez’s 13 points.

Ralph Penuela also came on the scene with Peter Alfaro and Kwekuteye teaming up to fill up the 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

The two seniors, Penuela and Kwekuteye led the Red Lions to a 22-12 run that forced an overtime.

The Kwekuteye-Penuela tandem made an unstoppable duo on that day after scoring five and nine points, respectively to be capped at 73-67.

However, San Beda and Mapua will have a do-or-die match on Wednesday as the latter is yet to enjoy its twice-to-beat card.

The Scores: 

San Beda 73 – Kwekuteye 17, Cortez 13, Penuela 13, Bahio 9, Alfaro 9, Cometa 3, Jopia 2, Sanchez 2, Abuda 2, Amsali 2, Gallego 1, Cuntapay 0, Andrada 0, Fornis 0, Ynot 0. 

Mapua 67 – Bonifacio 18, Hernandez 14, Lacap 12, Nocum 9, Agustin 5, Gamboa 4, Salenga 4, Garcia 1, Pido 0, Asuncion 0, Mercado 0.

Quarters: 6-12, 25-25, 33-41, 60-60, 73-67 (OT).