Najorda fires 27 pts as Stags tame Lions

San Sebastian rode on another explosive performance by Leo Najorda as it turned back a stubborn San Beda, 77-74, yesterday to notch its second straight victory in the 81st NCAA basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

In the other game, Perpetual Help walloped Jose Rizal, 59-42, for its first win in five starts.

Armed with the experience of playing for 2005 PBL Unity Cup champion Welcoat Paints, the high-leaping Najorda erupted for 27 points, including 20 in the final half, to lead the Stags to a second win after three straight losses.

The 2003 NCAA MVP struck hardest in the final minute as he personally fended off the Red Lions’ furious rally.

Najorda also played a key role as San Sebastian whipped St. Benilde, 67-64, Friday.

"He’s really our go-to-guy. Without him, we’ll have a hard time competing with the other teams," said San Sebastian coach Arturo "Turo" Valenzona referring to his 6-foot-3 forward who is reportedly applying for the 2005 PBA rookie draft next month.

"Ang problema wala siyang kapalit kaya kahit pagod na siya, naglalaro pa rin," added the veteran mentor.

With Najorda doing almost everything, the Stags grabbed a 76-64 lead with less than five minutes to go in the final period.

With Valenzona giving Najorda a brief rest, the Red Lions pounced on the Stags and trimmed their deficit to 74-71.

San Beda even came within one at 75-71 on a triple by Alex Angeles but with only 4.7 seconds left in the clock.

Yousif Aljamal and Jerome Paterno, who are also PBL veterans like Najorda, combined for 32 points but couldn’t make things happen in the fourth quarter as San Beda fell to a fifth straight setback.