Jielo Razon found the right time to step up big as University of the Perpetual Help turned back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-80, on Saturday, November 18, keeping its Final Four hopes in NCAA Season 99 alive at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Deferring to his younger teammates most of the season, Razon, the team captain on his final tour of duty, took charge this time knowing how they needed to win. He finished with a team-best 22 points.

Razon’s brilliance helped power the Altas to their ninth win against eight setbacks that kept them afloat in the tight Final Four derby.

However, UPHSD must hurdle San Sebastian in its final elimination round outing on Tuesday, November 21. Also, their fate depends on the results of the games of College of St. Benilde (10-6), San Beda (10-6) and Jose Rizal U (10-7). They need to pray that only one of these teams reaches 11 wins.

The Generals, for their part, ended their fairy tale run and was booted out after succumbing to 8-9.

Red Lions down Heavy Bombers

In the first game, San Beda executed to near perfection as it outlasted Jose Rizal University, 74-69, to strengthen its Final Four bid.

It was the second straight victory and 10th overall in 16 games for the Lions as they jumped from fifth to a share of third with the College of St. Benilde Blazers while sending the Bombers from No. 4 down to No. 5 with a 10-7 mark.

First Game:
San Beda 74– Andrada 18, Puno 13, Cortez 12, Payosing 12, Gonzales 6, Alfaro 6, Royo 3, Jopia 2, Visser 2, Cuntapay 0, Tagle 0

JRU 69– Delos Santos 15, Argente 15, Guiab 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 7, Miranda 6, Medina 2, Sarmiento 2, De Leon 2, Arenal 0, Sy 0, Sy 0, Ramos 0, Pabico 0, Mosqueda 0

Quarterscores: 20-16; 41-35; 59-51; 74-69

Second Game:
UPHSD 86 – Razon 22, Roque 14, Pagaran 12, Abis 8, Nunez 7, Nitura 6, Omega 4, Boral 4, Ferreras 3, Barcuma 2, Sebilla 2, Gelsano 2, Orgo 0, Cuevas 0, Movida 0

EAC 80 – Maguliano 23, Gurtiza 15, Ochavo 14, Robin 10, Cosejo 7, Quinal 5, Doria 4, Luciano 1, Angeles 1, Tolentino 0, Loristo 0, Umpad 0, Cosa 0, Balowa 0

Quarterscores: 24-11; 45-25; 69-54; 86-80

Games on November 19, 2023
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)

12:00 p.m.- AU vs LPU
2:00 p.m.- CSB vs Letran