Cortez lifts Lions past Bombers

MANILA, Philippines – Jacob Cortez’s heroics carried the San Beda Red Lions over the JRU Heavy Bombers, 74-70, in their NCAA Season 99 hoops clash Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

With JRU leading by a point, 70-69, Cortez drove toward the basket and banked in a shot from point-blank range as the Lions seized a 71-70 lead. 

JL delos Santos tried to retake the lead for the Heavy Bombers, but his wide-open 3-point try missed. 

Jomel Puno was then fouled, and made the first free throw and missed the second. But he cleaned up his own miss and saved the ball as it was sailing out. 

Cortez then iced the game with a pair of free throws. 

Cortez scored 24 points and grabbed five rebounds for the Red Lions in the win. He was followed by Peter Alfaro with 12 points.

Shawn Argente had 14 points for JRU, while Marwin Dionisio followed suit with 13 markers and five boards.

With the win, San Beda rose to a 4-2 win-loss slate. 

JRU, meanwhile, dropped to 4-3