NCAA Lions roar to 12th victory

Defending three-time champion San Beda University continued to flash itsfangs as it toppled Jose Rizal University, 65-47, to stay perfect in the NCAA Season 95 yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

After playing catch-up in the first half, the Red Lions turned things around as they unleashed a 16-0 run that started in the late third period and continued into the final frame for a 58-43 lead with 3:22 left.

San Beda’s win boosted its record to 12-0 as the Red Lions moved closer from claiming the first playoff berth, while sending the Heavy Bombers to their eight defeat in 12 games.

Fil-Canadian James Canlas-Kwekuteye led San Beda with 18 points and seven rebounds, while MVP leading contender Calvin Oftana contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

“A win is a win. We started slow, but our defense picked up in the second half and we’re able to score,” said Kwekuteye. Evan Nelle and Cameroonian Donald Tankoua finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Agem Miranda led the JRU with 14 points.

Meanwhile, four teams vying for Final Four slots take center stage in hopes of solidifying their respective playoff bids as Lyceum of the Philippines meets St. Benilde while San Sebastian takes on Letran.

The four teams are separated by a few wins as they currently occupy second to fifth spots behind defending three-time champion San Beda, which sports a perfect 12-0 record.

Lyceum, a finalist in the last two seasons, carries an 8-3 card, half a game ahead of No. 3 San Sebastian at 7-3, while at No. 4 is Letran with a 7-4 slate, up by half a game on 6-4 St. Benilde.