San Beda, Xavier triumph

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and Xavier scored contrasting victories to share the top honors in the ninth Fr. Martin Division II Cup at the Arellano U gym on Legarda Sunday.

The Red Lions outplayed the Adamson Falcons behind its run-and-gun game and cruised to an 88-50 victory for the men’s crown.

The Golden Stallions, on the other hand, leaned on Jarrel Lim in the closing seconds to nip the Arellano Braves, 68-67, in overtime and clinch their first-ever juniors division title in the tournament.

The Red Lions drew 13 points from Olaide Adeogun and Kinsman Frando in the second quarter as they broke away from a 22-16 to build leads of as many as 16 points at the half, 42-26.

Julius Armon fired a game-high 23 points for the Red Lions, including three triples, in the third period as the Mendiola-based cagers pulled away for good, 69-45.

Jeron Teng hit 43 points for the Golden Stallions then dished off an assist to Lim, who made the marginal basket at endgame. Lim wound up with 13 points.

Braves ace Richard John David, who led with 23 points, scored in the last 16 seconds to force the overtime at 54.