Lions roar past Bombers

MANILA, Philippines -- The defending champion San Beda Red Lions needed an extra period to get past the Jose Rizal University-A Heavy Bombers, 57-56, last Dec. 15 in the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament.

Six-foot-three Arnaudt Noah sank two winning charities in the last 45 seconds to power the Red Lions to their first win  at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

Their latest triumph came as UAAP season 76 finalist University of Santo Tomas Tigers drew 15 points from comebacking Louie Vigil to outplay the San Sebastian Stags, 83-69, in Group A.

The University of the East Amazons turned back the Our Lady of Fatima Lady Phoenix, 73-45, in the women’s action.

This allowed the Red Lions to bounce back from their 69-70 loss to the Mapua Cardinals.

They now have a 1-1 win-loss slate in Group B.

The Heavy Bombers, who now have 2-1 card, trailed 54-57 in the ensuing play, and tried to forced another tie when Schever Benavides brought JRU closer with his drive.

Donald Tankoua led the Red Lions with 25 points, and the match into overtime with his freebies as the regulation period ended, 46-all.

The Mapua Cardinals are leading their bracket (2-0) with the College of St. Benilde Blazers after they posted a 70-69 beating of the Red Lions, last Dec. 14.